Learn Dutch: Zowel de peiling als de enquête heeft een goede steekproef nodig. - Both the poll and the survey need a good sample.

While English requires a plural verb for both A and B, Dutch allows zowel... als... to take a singular verb if both subjects connected by it are singular (like de peiling and de enquête). Using the plural hebben is also perfectly correct and often preferred in spoken Dutch, but you will frequently see the singular form in written texts.

What is the nuance between a peiling and an enquête?

While both can translate to poll or survey, a peiling is usually a quick measurement to gauge public opinion (like a political exit poll). An enquête is a more formal, comprehensive questionnaire or structured research survey.

Why are heeft and nodig separated in this sentence?

The Dutch equivalent of to need is the expression nodig hebben. It behaves like a separable verb. In a standard main clause, the conjugated verb (heeft) takes the second position, and the remaining part (nodig) is pushed to the very end of the clause.

Can I use steekproef for any kind of sample, like a free sample at a store?