Learn Dutch: Afgaande op de schade, kunnen we concluderen dat deze theorie aannemelijk is. - Judging by the damage, we can conclude that this theory is plausible.

It translates to "judging by" or "going by". It is the present participle of the separable verb afgaan op (to rely on / go by). You form it by adding -de to the infinitive afgaan.

Why is afgaande op a better fit here than uitgaande van?

While both are used to establish a logical premise, afgaande op means "judging by" (observing outward evidence, like the damage). Uitgaande van means "assuming" or "starting from the premise of". Since you observe physical damage rather than just logically assume it, afgaande op is the natural choice.

Why does the main clause start with the verb kunnen instead of the subject we?

The participle phrase Afgaande op de schade takes up the first position in the sentence. This triggers inversion in the main clause, so the finite verb (kunnen) must come directly before the subject (we).

The word aannemelijk translates to "plausible". How does this differ from waarschijnlijk?