Breakdown of Dit is de op één na snelste groei.
zijn
to be
één
one
snel
fast
op
on
dit
this (neuter)
na
after (preposition)
de groei
the growth
Questions & Answers about Dit is de op één na snelste groei.
How does the phrase op één na snelste translate to second fastest?
Literally, it translates to fastest, except for one or after one, the fastest. In Dutch, the structure op [number] na [superlative] is the standard way to rank things. So op één na snelste is the second fastest, op twee na snelste is the third fastest, and so on.
Why are there accent marks on één?
The accent marks clarify that you mean the number one (één) rather than the indefinite article a or an (een). In this structure, you are counting exactly how many things are faster, so the cardinal number is required.
Why does snelste have an -e ending here?
Even though it is part of a larger expression, snelste is still a superlative adjective modifying the noun groei. Because groei is a de-word and is preceded by the definite article de, the adjective follows the normal rules and gets an -e ending.
Can I just say de tweede snelste groei instead?
Yes, you can. The phrase de tweede snelste groei is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, the op één na construction is incredibly common and idiomatic in Dutch, making it essential to learn and recognize at the B2 level.
Learn Dit is de op één na snelste groei and more in Dutch
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free