Learn Dutch: Je hoeft de asbakken slechts leeg te maken. - You only have to empty out the ashtrays.

Leegmaken (to empty) is a separable verb. When a separable verb is used with te (which is required here by hoeven), the te is placed between the prefix (leeg) and the base verb (maken), forming the three-part phrase leeg te maken.

Why do we use hoeft here instead of moet?

Moeten (must / have to) is used for positive obligations. However, in negative sentences or limiting contexts (using words like only, merely, or hardly), Dutch requires hoeven. Because we are using the limiting adverb slechts (only/merely), we must use hoeven.

Why does slechts come after de asbakken rather than before it?

Slechts behaves similarly to niet regarding word order. It is placed after a specific direct object like de asbakken. If you placed it before the object, it would heavily emphasize that you only have to empty the ashtrays (and not, for example, the trash cans), which unnaturally shifts the focus away from the action.

How would the spoken-language aan het split taught in this lesson work with the verb leegmaken?