Questions & Answers about Niet aanraken.
Why does this sign use the infinitive aanraken instead of the normal command form?
This is called the impersonal imperative. In Dutch, public signs, rules, and brief instructions often use the full infinitive to give a general command. It applies to anyone reading it, rather than speaking to 'you' directly.
Aanraken is a separable verb. Why isn't it split up here?
Separable verbs only split when they are the conjugated main verb of a sentence (for example: Raak het niet aan.). Because this sign uses the infinitive form, the verb stays whole at the end of the phrase.
Why does niet come first? Doesn't the verb usually belong in the second position?
Normally, a conjugated verb takes the second position. But since this impersonal command is built entirely around an infinitive, that verb gets pushed to the very end of the phrase. Any modifying words, like the negative niet, must come before it.
Is it rude to use the infinitive like this instead of a full sentence with alstublieft?
Not on a sign! It is highly standard and completely neutral for written rules, such as in a museum or a store. Using a direct personal command on a public sign would actually sound a bit unnatural to Dutch speakers.
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