Breakdown of Die mode, die verandert razendsnel.
die
that / those (de-words and plurals)
veranderen
to change
razendsnel
lightning fast
de mode
the fashion
Questions & Answers about Die mode, die verandert razendsnel.
Why is the word die used twice here?
This sentence uses a structure called left dislocation. The first part, Die mode, brings the topic to the front for emphasis. The second part is the actual main clause, starting with the resumptive pronoun die, which points back to the topic. This way, you emphasize the fashion without repeating the noun.
Would the pronouns change if the topic were a het-word, like het weer (the weather)?
Yes! Because mode is a de-word, we use die. If you wanted to say "That weather, it changes lightning fast," you would use the het-word demonstrative pronoun dat for both slots: Dat weer, dat verandert razendsnel. Both the initial demonstrative and the resumptive pronoun must match the noun's gender.
Does the introductory phrase Die mode, count as the first position for the verb-second (V2) rule?
No, it sits completely outside the main clause syntax. The actual main clause starts with the resumptive pronoun die, which acts as position one. That is why the verb verandert sits in the second position right after it, perfectly following the normal V2 rule.
What makes up the word razendsnel?
It is a compound of razend (raging or furious) and snel (fast). In Dutch, razend is frequently attached to adjectives as an intensifier, similar to saying incredibly or lightning fast in English. You might also encounter common words like razenddruk (extremely busy) or razendenthousiast (wildly enthusiastic).
Learn Die mode, die verandert razendsnel and more in Dutch
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free