Breakdown of Al stopt de skilift, we lopen toch naar de top.
lopen
to walk
naar
to
stoppen
to stop
we
we (unstressed form of wij)
toch
still, anyway (particle) / right? (question tag)
al
even if (concessive)
de skilift
the ski lift
de top
the peak / the top
Questions & Answers about Al stopt de skilift, we lopen toch naar de top.
Why is the verb stopt placed right after Al?
In this structure, Al combined with inversion (putting the verb before the subject de skilift) creates a phrase meaning 'even if' or 'although'. It is a special exception to the usual rule where conjunctions push the verb to the end of the clause.
Why isn't the main clause inverted? Shouldn't it be lopen we toch naar de top?
That is a very important detail! Normally, starting a sentence with a subordinate clause causes inversion in the main clause. However, an Al-clause is a rare exception. The main clause that follows it keeps the standard subject-verb word order (we lopen).
What role does toch play in this sentence?
In this context, toch translates to 'still' or 'anyway'. It is frequently paired with an Al-clause to strongly emphasize that the main action will happen regardless of the condition or obstacle.
Could I just use Zelfs als to say 'Even if'?
Yes, but it changes the grammar completely. Zelfs als acts like a normal conjunction, pushing the verb to the end of its clause and triggering inversion in the main clause, giving you: Zelfs als de skilift stopt, lopen we toch naar de top.
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