Breakdown of Wij onthouden de spreuk: de zege is eeuwig.
zijn
to be
wij
we
onthouden
to remember (memorize)
de zege
the victory
de spreuk
the saying / the proverb
eeuwig
eternal / eternally
Questions & Answers about Wij onthouden de spreuk: de zege is eeuwig.
Why is 'onthouden' used here instead of 'zich herinneren' to mean 'remember'?
Onthouden means 'to keep in one's memory' or 'to memorize'. You use it when you are actively retaining a piece of information, like a saying, a rule, or a phone number. Zich herinneren means to retrieve a past memory (to recall). Because they are keeping this motto in their minds for the future, onthouden is the correct choice.
What is the difference between a 'spreuk' and a 'spreekwoord'?
A spreuk is a motto, slogan, or a short philosophical saying (like 'Carpe diem'). A spreekwoord is a traditional proverb that imparts wisdom and has a totally fixed sentence structure (like 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree'). Because 'the victory is eternal' acts more like a motto or battle cry, it is a spreuk.
This lesson covers the formulaic present subjunctive. Why does this saying use the normal verb 'is' instead of the subjunctive 'zij'?
Not all fixed sayings use the subjunctive! The present subjunctive (like zij instead of is) is typically used in fixed expressions to express a wish or a command, translating to 'may the...' or 'let the...'. Here, de zege is eeuwig is stated as an absolute, eternal fact ('the victory is eternal'), not a wish. If it were a wish ('may the victory be eternal'), it would indeed be de zege zij eeuwig.
Can I use the word 'overwinning' instead of 'zege' for victory?
Grammatically, yes, but it changes the tone. Overwinning is the common, everyday word for a victory in sports, elections, or battles. Zege has a much more poetic, formal, and grand tone, which makes it a much better fit for a dramatic spreuk (motto) like this.
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