Learn Dutch: Tien procent van de respondenten twijfelt. - Ten percent of the respondents are unsure.

In Dutch, percentages followed by a plural noun (like van de respondenten) can take either a singular or a plural verb. Using the singular (twijfelt) treats the percentage as a single block or collective amount, which is very common. English strictly uses the plural here because it focuses on the plural 'respondents'.

I learned that twijfelen means 'to doubt'. Why is it translated as 'are unsure'?

While twijfelen literally means 'to doubt,' it is used much more broadly in Dutch to mean 'to be undecided,' 'to hesitate,' or 'to be unsure.' In a survey context like this, saying the respondents 'are unsure' captures the natural meaning better than saying they 'doubt'.

Why is it tien procent and not tien procenten?

In Dutch, units of measurement and currencies remain in the singular form when they are preceded by a specific number. Just like you would say drie euro instead of drie euro's, you say tien procent, never tien procenten.

Is respondenten a common word in everyday Dutch?

It is mostly used in formal contexts, news reports, or academic research to mean 'survey participants.' In casual conversation, you would more likely hear a word like ondervraagden (the people who were asked) or simply mensen (people).