Questions & Answers about Mijn handen zijn beverig en mijn huid is vlekkerig.
Where does the adjective beverig come from, and why is it spelled with a 'v' instead of an 'f'?
It comes from the verb beven (to shake or tremble). To add the -erig suffix, we use the root of the verb. While the bare stem is beef, adding a suffix that starts with a vowel makes the 'f' change back into a 'v' to keep the pronunciation smooth, resulting in beverig (shaky).
Why does vlekkerig have a double 'k'?
It is formed from the noun vlek (spot or blotch) plus the suffix -erig. Because vlek has a short vowel sound, we must double the 'k' when adding a suffix that starts with a vowel. If we did not double it and wrote vlekerig, the 'e' would incorrectly become a long vowel sound.
Does the -erig suffix give a specific nuance to these words?
Yes! The -erig suffix often indicates a mild state, a tendency, or something having the appearance of the root word. It is especially common for describing physical symptoms, emotions, or feeling unwell. Beverig describes a bodily tendency to shake, and vlekkerig means having a spotty or blotchy appearance.
Handen is a plural noun, so why doesn't beverig get an -e at the end?