Learn Dutch: Hoe ijverig je ook oefent, je zult het niet snel beheersen. - However diligently you practice, you will not master it quickly.

In Dutch, 'however' followed by an adjective or adverb is constructed using hoe ... ook. The adjective or adverb goes immediately after hoe, followed by the subject, then ook, and finally the verb. In this sentence, that gives us Hoe ijverig (however diligently) je ook oefent (you practice).

Why doesn't the main clause invert to zult je after the starting clause?

This is a rare and important exception to the famous Dutch V2 (verb-second) rule! Normally, starting a sentence with a dependent clause pushes the verb to the front of the main clause. However, concessive clauses (clauses expressing 'no matter how/who/what' using ... ook) do not trigger inversion. The main clause simply keeps its normal subject-verb order: je zult.

What is the literal background of the verb beheersen?

Beheersen means to master a skill, subject, or language. It is built on the root noun heer, which means 'lord' or 'master' or 'gentleman'. With the prefix be-, it implies gaining mastery or control over something. When you beheerst something, you are the master of it.

Could niet be placed later in the sentence?