Learn Dutch: Volgens de thermometer is de temperatuur goed. - According to the thermometer, the temperature is good.

Because Dutch uses Verb Second word order. The prepositional phrase volgens de thermometer takes up the first position in the sentence. The verb (is) must come second, so the subject (de temperatuur) is pushed right after it.

How could I use wat from this lesson to say the temperature is a little bit good, or somewhat good?

You can place wat right before the adjective to soften it, making the sentence Volgens de thermometer is de temperatuur wat goed. However, it sounds much more natural to use wat with a comparative in this context, like wat beter (a little better) or wat warmer (a bit warmer).

Are there rules that help me know thermometer and temperatuur are both de words?

Yes! Nouns ending in -uur (like de natuur, de factuur) are almost always de words. Additionally, instruments, tools, or devices that end in -er are typically de words as well.

Can I use volgens to give my own opinion instead of pointing to a device?