Breakdown of De rechter oordeelt over hem.
hem
him
over
about
de rechter
the judge
oordelen
to judge (to form an opinion)
Questions & Answers about De rechter oordeelt over hem.
Why do we use over hem instead of combining it into a pronominal adverb like erover?
This is the core rule of animacy in Dutch! Because hem refers to a person, you must keep the preposition and the pronoun separate: over hem. You can only use erover when referring to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract concepts.
If the judge were ruling on an issue instead of a person, how would this sentence change?
If the judge were ruling on "it" (a case or an issue), you would apply the pronominal adverb rule and say: De rechter oordeelt erover. You cannot say over het in Dutch.
Why does Dutch use the preposition over here when the English translation just says "judges him"?
The verb oordelen (to judge, to rule) requires the preposition over to indicate what or who is being judged. While English uses a direct object ("judges him"), the Dutch structure is literally "judges over him."
Could I use the verb beoordelen instead of oordelen here?
Yes, but the grammar would change. Beoordelen means to assess or evaluate, and it takes a direct object without a preposition. You would say De rechter beoordeelt hem. However, oordelen over is more fitting for handing down a formal ruling, passing a verdict, or casting moral judgment.