Breakdown of Aangezien zij zwanger is, bestelt ze een alcoholvrij drankje.
zijn
to be
zij
she
een
a/an
bestellen
to order
het drankje
the drink
ze
they; she (unstressed form of zij) / them (object)
zwanger
pregnant
aangezien
since / as (because)
alcoholvrij
alcohol-free
Questions & Answers about Aangezien zij zwanger is, bestelt ze een alcoholvrij drankje.
How exactly does the suffix -vrij work in alcoholvrij?
Just like "-free" in English, adding -vrij to a noun creates an adjective meaning "without that substance". It is highly productive in Dutch, especially for foods, products, or conditions where something is removed or absent (like suikervrij for sugar-free or zorgenvrij for carefree).
Why isn't there an -e at the end of alcoholvrij here?
Even though it is a compound word with a suffix, alcoholvrij follows normal adjective rules. We do not add an -e because drankje is a diminutive (which makes it a het word), it is singular, and it comes right after een. If it were a de word like drank, you would say een alcoholvrije drank.
What is the difference between aangezien and omdat?
Both can be translated as "because" or "since". However, aangezien (since or seeing as) is slightly more formal and is often used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a reason that is already known or obvious in the context. Omdat is the standard, everyday word for "because".
Why is the verb bestelt placed before the subject ze?
This is because of the verb-second (V2) rule. The entire subordinate clause (Aangezien zij zwanger is) acts as the first block of information in the sentence. Therefore, the main verb (bestelt) must immediately follow it in the second position, pushing the subject (ze) to the third spot.
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