Question 1

Why are there commas around die erg dik is?

Accepted Answer

This is a non-restrictive relative clause (an uitbreidende relatieve bijzin). It adds extra information about the sole rather than specifying which exact sole you mean. Just like in English, we use commas to separate this extra information from the main sentence.

Question 2

How would the meaning change if we removed the first comma?

Accepted Answer

Without a comma before die, it becomes a restrictive relative clause (beperkende relatieve bijzin). That would imply there are several soles, and you are specifically pointing out the thick one. Note that even in a restrictive clause, Dutch often keeps the second comma to separate the two verbs for readability: De zool die erg dik is, is vervangbaar.

Question 3

Why are there two is verbs right next to each other?

Accepted Answer

This happens because the relative clause interrupts the main clause. The first is belongs to the relative clause (die erg dik is), which pushes its verb to the end. The second is belongs to the main clause (De zool ... is vervangbaar). Once the relative clause ends, the main clause simply resumes.

Question 4

Why do we use die as the relative pronoun here?

Accepted Answer

The relative pronoun refers back to de zool. Because zool is a de-word, we must use die. If the noun were a het-word, such as het handvat (the handle), you would use dat instead.

Question 5

How is the word vervangbaar formed?

Accepted Answer

The Dutch suffix -baar works exactly like the English suffix -able. You take the verb vervangen (to replace) and add -baar to create the adjective vervangbaar (replaceable).

De zool, die erg dik is, is vervangbaar.

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