Question 1

Why does this sentence start with Dat and push the verb vindt to the very end, even though it stands alone?

Accepted Answer

This is an independent exclamatory dat-clause. It uses the subordinate clause word order (verb at the end) to express strong emotion, like surprise or disbelief. You can think of it as a shortened sentence where the main clause, like 'I can't believe...' or 'It is shocking...', has been left out for dramatic effect.

Question 2

Why is zij used instead of the unstressed ze in this exclamation?

Accepted Answer

Exclamatory sentences often emphasize the specific person involved. Using the stressed zij highlights that the speaker is surprised that she in particular holds this opinion. Using ze would sound less dramatic, though it would not be grammatically wrong.

Question 3

Where do the adjectives onvoorstelbaar and onbegrijpelijk need to go if this were a normal main clause?

Accepted Answer

In a standard main clause, the conjugated verb vindt would move to the second position, but the adjectives would still stay placed after the object. It would be: Zij vindt het wonder onvoorstelbaar en onbegrijpelijk.

Question 4

What is the exact difference between onvoorstelbaar and onbegrijpelijk?

Accepted Answer

While both express disbelief, they target different things. Onvoorstelbaar comes from zich voorstellen (to imagine) and means it is impossible to picture or visualize. Onbegrijpelijk comes from begrijpen (to understand) and means it completely defies logic or intellectual grasp.

Dat zij het wonder onvoorstelbaar en onbegrijpelijk vindt!

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