Question 1

How does krijgen work in this sentence to mean getting the cabinet stable?

Accepted Answer

Here krijgen is used in a resultative construction: krijgen + direct object (de kast) + adjective (stevig). At this level, it is important to know that this structure implies making an effort to achieve a certain state. It translates closely to the English concept of getting something into a certain state, but in Dutch, it strongly emphasizes the struggle or effort involved in reaching that specific result.

Question 2

Why does niet come right before stevig?

Accepted Answer

In Dutch, niet generally comes immediately before the specific word it negates. Here, you are specifically negating the result (stevig), meaning the effort to make it sturdy is failing. The structure remains intact: object (de kast) + niet + adjective (stevig).

Question 3

Could I use stabiel instead of stevig here?

Accepted Answer

You could, but stevig is much more natural for physical objects like wooden furniture. Stevig means sturdy, solid, or firm, which fits perfectly with assembling a cabinet. Stabiel is often used more abstractly for things like a stable economy or a stable patient, though it would be understood here.

Question 4

Why is the verb monteren at the very end of the sentence?

Accepted Answer

The word totdat meaning until is a subordinating conjunction. This means it introduces a dependent clause, which forces all verbs in that clause to the very end. So the conjugated verb monteren is pushed after the object de achterwand. It is a classic rule from earlier levels, but highly relevant to remember as you build longer B2 sentences.

We krijgen de kast niet stevig totdat we de achterwand monteren.

Breakdown of We krijgen de kast niet stevig totdat we de achterwand monteren.

Questions & Answers about We krijgen de kast niet stevig totdat we de achterwand monteren.

Learn We krijgen de kast niet stevig totdat we de achterwand monteren and more in Dutch