Question 1

How does the word order work in the phrase De wegens fraude veroordeelde voormalige burgemeester?

Accepted Answer

This is the extended attributive participial phrase, often called the accordion construction. In Dutch, all the extra information modifying the participle (wegens fraude) is squeezed between the article (De) and the noun (burgemeester). Crucially, this modifier must come directly before the participle (veroordeelde). English usually places this information after the noun: 'The former mayor [convicted of fraud]'.

Question 2

Why does the past participle veroordeelde end in an -e?

Accepted Answer

Because it is functioning exactly like an adjective describing the noun burgemeester. Since burgemeester is a de-word and is preceded by the definite article De, any adjective (or participle acting as one) placed in front of it gets the standard -e ending.

Question 3

Why does voormalige come after the wegens fraude veroordeelde block?

Accepted Answer

When stacking adjectives, the one that forms the tightest, most permanent block of meaning with the noun goes closest to it. voormalige burgemeester (former mayor) acts almost like a single concept. The heavier, more descriptive participial block (wegens fraude veroordeelde) is placed before this simpler, inherent adjective.

Question 4

Could I say door fraude instead of wegens fraude?

Accepted Answer

It is much better to use wegens here. wegens means 'due to' or 'on account of', which fits perfectly for stating the legal grounds for a conviction. If you used door (by), it would normally indicate the agent performing the action, such as the judge: de door de rechter veroordeelde burgemeester (the mayor convicted by the judge).

De wegens fraude veroordeelde voormalige burgemeester zwijgt.

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