Questions & Answers about De arbeider werd werkloos.
Since this lesson is about the passive voice, where is the passive structure in this sentence?
There isn't one! While you are learning how to use werd and werden (the simple past of worden) as helper verbs for the passive voice, this sentence reminds you of the verb's original meaning. When used as a main verb, worden means to become. Here, werd simply means became. You can tell it is not a passive sentence because there is no past participle (a completed verb form like gewerkt or ontslagen) at the end of the sentence.
How does the word werkloos translate to unemployed?
It is made up of the noun werk (work) and the suffix -loos (-less). Just like in English, adding -loos to a Dutch noun means 'without' that thing. So, werkloos literally translates to workless. Other common examples you might see at this level are draadloos (wireless) and dakloos (homeless).
Why do we use werd here instead of werden?
Werd is the singular simple past form of worden, which matches our singular subject, de arbeider. If we were talking about multiple workers, we would use the plural form: De arbeiders werden werkloos.
What is the difference between an arbeider and a werknemer?
Both can mean worker or employee, but they have different nuances. A werknemer is the general term for an employee (literally someone who takes work from an employer). An arbeider specifically refers to a manual laborer or a blue-collar worker.
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