Breakdown of Probeer je niet te verstappen op die trede.
niet
not
op
on
die
that / those (de-words and plurals)
proberen
to try
te
to (infinitive marker)
zich verstappen
to misstep
de trede
the step / the stair
Questions & Answers about Probeer je niet te verstappen op die trede.
How does the prefix ver- change the meaning of stappen in this sentence?
When combined with a reflexive pronoun like je, the prefix ver- often indicates making a mistake while performing an action. Stappen means to step, so zich verstappen means to take a wrong step, misstep, or twist your ankle.
Why is the reflexive pronoun je placed right after probeer instead of next to te verstappen?
In Dutch, object and reflexive pronouns prefer to appear as early as possible in the sentence. Even though je logically belongs to the infinitive verstappen, it moves up to follow the conjugated verb probeer directly.
Why does niet appear right before te verstappen?
The word niet is negating the action of misstepping, not the action of trying. Because it negates the second verb, it is placed immediately before the te + infinitive block (te verstappen).
Why use the word trede here instead of trap or stap?
A trede refers specifically to a single stair or rung of a ladder. A trap refers to the entire staircase, and a stap refers to the physical action of taking a step. Since you are warned not to misstep on one specific stair, trede is the correct word.
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