Breakdown of Ook al studeren zij deeltijd, zij hebben de module afgerond.
zij
they
hebben
to have
studeren
to study
afronden
to complete / to finish (wrap up, round off)
Questions & Answers about Ook al studeren zij deeltijd, zij hebben de module afgerond.
Why is the word order in the first half 'studeren zij' (verb-subject) instead of sending the verb to the end?
Unlike conjunctions like hoewel (although) or omdat (because), ook al does not push the verb to the end of the clause. Instead, it acts like a fronted phrase causing inversion. The verb comes right after ook al, followed by the subject (studeren zij).
Why doesn't the second clause start with the verb ('hebben zij') like it normally does after a starting clause?
This is the most unique (and tricky!) rule about ook al. Normally, starting a sentence with a dependent clause causes inversion in the main clause (for example: Hoewel ze deeltijd studeren, hebben zij...). But an ook al clause does not trigger inversion in the main clause. The main clause keeps its standard Subject-Verb order (zij hebben).
Can I say 'in deeltijd' instead of just 'deeltijd'?
Yes! In deeltijd studeren and deeltijd studeren are both correct and commonly used to mean studying part-time. When used without in, deeltijd functions directly as an adverb.
The past participle 'afgerond' comes from 'afronden'. Why is '-ge-' in the middle of the word?