Breakdown of U raadpleegt de apotheker, indien de pijn verergert.
u
you (formal)
de pijn
the pain
indien
in the event that
de apotheker
the pharmacist
verergeren
to worsen
raadplegen
to consult (seek advice or information)
Questions & Answers about U raadpleegt de apotheker, indien de pijn verergert.
What is the difference between indien and als in this context?
Both mean 'if', but indien is much more formal. It is often translated as 'in the event that' and is frequently used in official warnings, contracts, or medical instructions like this one. In everyday conversation, you would simply use als.
Why is the verb verergert placed at the very end of the sentence?
Because indien is a subordinating conjunction. Just like with als, omdat, or dat, a subclause starting with indien pushes its verbs to the end of that clause. Here, the subject is de pijn and the verb verergert gets sent to the back.
The verb raadplegen (to consult) looks like a separable verb made of raad and plegen. Is it?
Surprisingly, no! Even though it comes from the noun raad (advice) and the verb plegen (to commit/perform), raadplegen is treated as an inseparable verb. That is why it stays together as u raadpleegt rather than splitting into u pleegt raad.
Why does this sentence use u instead of je?
This sentence is clearly from a formal context, like the instructions on a medicine box or a doctor's leaflet. The formal pronoun u matches the professional, serious tone set by formal words like raadpleegt and indien.
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