Learn Dutch: De gemeenschap zou rechtvaardig moeten zijn.

De gemeenschap zou rechtvaardig moeten zijn.

The community should be fair.

Breakdown of De gemeenschap zou rechtvaardig moeten zijn.

Questions & Answers about De gemeenschap zou rechtvaardig moeten zijn.

How does zou moeten zijn translate to "should be"?

In Dutch, the concept of "should" or "ought to" is expressed by combining the past tense of zullen (would) with moeten (must). So, zou moeten literally means "would have to". Add the main verb zijn (to be) to the end of the phrase, and you get zou moeten zijn (should be).

Why are the verbs moeten and zijn placed at the very end of the sentence?

This follows standard Dutch word order. In a main clause, the conjugated verb (zou) takes the second position. All other verbs are pushed to the very end of the sentence to form a verb cluster. The adjective rechtvaardig must come before this final cluster.

Why do we use zou here instead of zouden?

Because de gemeenschap (the community) is a singular noun. Zou is the singular form used for all singular subjects in the past tense of zullen. If the subject were plural, you would use zouden.

How is the word rechtvaardig (fair) formed?

It is a combination of recht (right, justice, or law) and the suffix -vaardig (capable or ready). Together, they describe someone or something that acts with justice, translating perfectly to "fair" or "just".