Learn Dutch: Ben jij altijd zo ongeduldig tijdens het wachten? - Are you always so impatient during the wait?

It starts with the noun geduld (patience). We add the suffix -ig to make it the adjective geduldig (patient). Finally, adding the negative prefix on- creates ongeduldig (impatient). This on- prefix is highly productive in Dutch, meaning you can easily attach it to many existing adjectives to express their opposite.

Where does the syllable stress fall in a negative derivation like ongeduldig?

The stress stays on the root word, so it is pronounced on-ge-DUL-dig. With most adjectives starting with the on- prefix, the emphasis remains on the base adjective. You would only stress the prefix if you were deliberately emphasizing the contrast (for example, saying "I said ONgeduldig, not GEduldig").

Why is het wachten used here instead of a standard noun?

Turning an infinitive verb like wachten (to wait) into a neuter noun by placing het in front of it is the most natural way to express the ongoing act of "waiting" in Dutch. You will frequently see this structure—het + infinitive—used right after prepositions like tijdens (during).

Could I just say altijd ongeduldig and leave out zo?