Ik lees rustig een boek in de tuin.

I read a book calmly in the garden.

Breakdown of Ik lees rustig een boek in de tuin.

• ik: I
• het boek: the book
• lezen: to read
• in: in
• de tuin: the garden
• een: a, an
• rustig: calmly

Questions & Answers about Ik lees rustig een boek in de tuin.

Why is the word rustig placed immediately after lees in this sentence?

In Dutch, adverbs often follow the conjugated verb. By placing rustig right after lees, you’re emphasizing how you’re reading (in a calm, relaxed way) before mentioning what you’re reading.

Could we move rustig to another part of the sentence, like Ik lees een boek rustig in de tuin?

Yes, but the sentence flow changes slightly. It’s still correct Dutch, but having rustig right after the verb emphasizes the manner of reading more clearly. Placing it later might suggest a different focus or sound less natural.

Why do we use the indefinite article een before boek?

We use een because we’re talking about a (nonspecific) book, rather than a specific or previously mentioned book. It’s the same distinction as in English (a book vs. the book).

What does in de tuin convey, and why is there an article de?

In de tuin means “in the garden.” The noun tuin (“garden”) is a common noun and needs the definite article de. You’re specifying the garden rather than a nonspecific one, which is why you don’t say in tuin without an article.