Learn Dutch: We moesten snel maatregelen treffen. - We had to take measures quickly.

The phrase maatregelen treffen is a standard function verb structure where a formal noun pairs with a specific 'light' verb. While maatregelen nemen is also completely correct and widely used, treffen sounds more official or professional, similar to 'to implement measures' in English. On its own, treffen normally means 'to hit,' 'to strike,' or 'to meet.'

What is the singular form of maatregelen?

The singular is de maatregel (the measure or precaution). Notice that it forms its plural with -en (maatregelen). This is a helpful exception to remember, as many Dutch nouns ending in -el typically take an -s in the plural (like de regel becoming regels).

Why does the adverb snel come before the object maatregelen?

In Dutch, adverbs describing time or manner (like snel) typically come before an indefinite direct object (an object without 'the', 'this', or 'that'). Because maatregelen refers to unspecified 'measures,' snel precedes it. If the object were definite, the order would flip: We moesten de maatregelen snel treffen.

Why does the verb treffen sit at the very end of the sentence?