Question 1

Why is onder used here instead of tussen to mean "among"?

Accepted Answer

While tussen means "between" (usually referring to two parties or specific distinct items), onder is typically used for "among" when referring to a collective group or category of people. Since the heirs form a general group here, onder is the correct preposition.

Question 2

What is the literal breakdown of the word nalatenschap?

Accepted Answer

It comes from the separable verb nalaten (to leave behind) combined with the suffix -schap (which is like the English "-ship" or "-hood"). It literally means the things left behind, which perfectly translates to "estate" or "inheritance".

Question 3

How could I rewrite this to say the notary divides it "among whoever is a rightful heir" to practice this lesson's grammar?

Accepted Answer

You can use the universal inclusive pronoun al wie (whoever / anyone who). The sentence would become: De notaris verdeelt de nalatenschap onder al wie een rechtmatige erfgenaam is. Notice that al wie introduces a subclause, which pushes the verb (is) to the end of that clause.

Question 4

Is the spelling change from erfgenaam (singular) to erfgenamen (plural) regular?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it follows the standard Dutch spelling rules for long vowels. The singular is erfgenaam. When you add the plural -en, the 'a' ends up in an open syllable. To prevent it from being written as a double vowel in an open syllable, one 'a' is dropped, giving you erfgenamen.

De notaris verdeelt de nalatenschap onder de rechtmatige erfgenamen.

Breakdown of De notaris verdeelt de nalatenschap onder de rechtmatige erfgenamen.

Questions & Answers about De notaris verdeelt de nalatenschap onder de rechtmatige erfgenamen.

Learn De notaris verdeelt de nalatenschap onder de rechtmatige erfgenamen and more in Dutch