Question 1

Why isn't the verb is at the end of the sentence?

Accepted Answer

In standard written Dutch, you would use the conjunction dat (that), which creates a subordinate clause and pushes the verb to the end: Wij schatten dat het hotel duur is. However, in spoken Dutch, you can drop dat after verbs of thought or speech (like schatten, denken, or zeggen). When you drop dat, the second half of the sentence reverts to a normal main clause with standard word order: het hotel is duur.

Question 2

Does schatten mean the exact same thing as denken here?

Accepted Answer

They are similar in this context, but schatten specifically means to estimate, guess, or reckon. You use it when you are making a calculated guess about something measurable, like a price being expensive, whereas denken broadly means to think or believe.

Question 3

Could I use the separable verb inschatten instead of just schatten?

Accepted Answer

Both can work, but they have slightly different flavors. Schatten is typically used for direct numerical estimates or values (like a price). Inschatten is broader and often used for assessing situations, risks, or how a person might react. In an informal sentence like this, plain schatten perfectly translates to 'we reckon' or 'we guess'.

Question 4

Do I need a comma between schatten and het hotel?

Accepted Answer

In formal writing, you wouldn't write the sentence this way at all since you would use dat. Because dropping dat is a feature of spoken or very informal written Dutch (like text messages), punctuation rules are loose. A comma isn't required, but you might see one added to represent the slight pause you would make when speaking: Wij schatten, het hotel is duur.

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