Question 1

How would I add niettemin or evenwel to this sentence to say they nevertheless call it controversial?

Accepted Answer

If you want to connect this to a previous thought, you can place niettemin (nevertheless) or evenwel (however) directly after the verb: De oppositie noemt niettemin de nieuwe grondwet erg omstreden. You can also start the sentence with either word, which triggers inversion (verb before subject): Niettemin noemt de oppositie de nieuwe grondwet erg omstreden.

Question 2

Omstreden means "controversial", but it looks like a verb's past participle. Is it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is the past participle of the verb omstrijden (to fight over or dispute). Used as an adjective, it literally translates to "disputed" or "fought over", which is how Dutch expresses "controversial". Notice that because it comes after the noun it describes (a predicative adjective), it doesn't get an extra -e ending.

Question 3

Why do we use noemt instead of heet if both can translate to "call"?

Accepted Answer

Heten means "to be called" or "to have the name" (like Hoe heet jij?). Noemen is an active verb used when a subject gives a name to, or applies a label to, someone or something else. Since the opposition is actively applying the label "controversial" to the constitution, you must use noemen.

Question 4

Can I use heel instead of erg for "very" in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Heel omstreden and erg omstreden mean exactly the same thing. Native speakers use both interchangeably before adjectives. Relying on erg occasionally instead of always defaulting to heel is a great way to make your Dutch sound more natural at the B2 level.

De oppositie noemt de nieuwe grondwet erg omstreden.

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