Breakdown of Het is vervelend als jij mij steeds onderbreekt.
zijn
to be
jij
you
het
it
mij
me
als
if / when (condition)
vervelend
annoying
steeds
again and again, constantly / still (in 'nog steeds')
onderbreken
to interrupt
Questions & Answers about Het is vervelend als jij mij steeds onderbreekt.
Why does the verb onderbreekt go at the very end of the sentence?
The word als (when/if) introduces a subordinate clause. In Dutch subordinate clauses, the conjugated verb is pushed to the end of the clause. This is a very strict rule for word order that applies here.
Wait, isn't onderbreken a separable verb? Why isn't it split up?
Onderbreken (to interrupt) is actually an inseparable verb. You can tell by the pronunciation: the stress falls on the verb part (onderBRÉKEN), not the prefix. Because it is inseparable, it stays as one word and doesn't get pulled apart.
The English translation says 'constantly', but doesn't steeds mean 'still'?
If you see the phrase nog steeds, that translates to 'still'. However, steeds on its own means 'constantly', 'continually', or 'all the time'. It emphasizes that the action happens repeatedly.
Is it normal to have two pronouns (jij mij) sitting right next to each other?
Yes, it is very common! In a subordinate clause, the subject (jij) usually comes immediately after the connecting word (als). Since the verb is pushed to the end, the object pronoun (mij) simply follows the subject.
Learn Het is vervelend als jij mij steeds onderbreekt and more in Dutch
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free