Questions & Answers about Der Mann hat es eilig, deshalb hetzt er.
What does the es refer to in es eilig haben?
In this fixed phrase, es acts as a dummy object. It does not refer to any specific noun, very similar to how English uses the word it in the phrase take it easy. The entire expression es eilig haben simply means to be in a hurry.
What is the exact difference in meaning between es eilig haben and hetzen?
While both relate to hurrying, es eilig haben describes the internal state or situation of being short on time. On the other hand, hetzen describes the actual physical action of rushing, dashing, or scrambling. The sentence essentially says: The man is pressed for time, therefore he rushes.
Why is the word order deshalb hetzt er instead of deshalb er hetzt?
English speakers often trip over this because therefore he is rushing maps perfectly to English word order. However, deshalb is an adverb, not a coordinating conjunction like und or aber. Because deshalb occupies the first position in its clause, the verb hetzt must take the second position, which pushes the subject er right after it.
How do I change es eilig haben into the past tense?
You simply conjugate the verb haben and keep the dummy object es right next to it. In the simple past (Präteritum), the clause becomes: Der Mann hatte es eilig. In the spoken past (Perfekt), it becomes: Der Mann hat es eilig gehabt.