Onze bloemenvazen verdwijnen soms uit zicht, omdat we ze achter in de kast zetten.

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Breakdown of Onze bloemenvazen verdwijnen soms uit zicht, omdat we ze achter in de kast zetten.

• onze: our
• we: we
• omdat: because
• soms: sometimes
• de bloemenvaas: the flower vase
• verdwijnen: to disappear
• uit: from
• ze: them
• achter: back
• de kast: the cupboard
• zetten: to put

Questions & Answers about Onze bloemenvazen verdwijnen soms uit zicht, omdat we ze achter in de kast zetten.

What does bloemenvazen mean, and how is it formed?

Bloemenvazen means flower vases. It’s a compound noun combining bloemen (flowers) and vazen (vases). The singular form is typically bloemenvaas, with the plural formed by adding the ending -en to become bloemenvazen.

Why is the adverb soms placed where it is, and what does it indicate?

Soms means sometimes. In this sentence, it is positioned just after the subject and before the remainder of the verb phrase to emphasize that the disappearing of the vases happens occasionally rather than continuously. This placement is common in Dutch to highlight the frequency of the action.

What does the phrase uit zicht mean, and how does it function grammatically?

Uit zicht translates to out of sight. It functions as an adverbial phrase indicating the location or state in which the vases disappear—they are no longer visible. Grammatically, it follows the main verb (verdwijnen) to clarify where the action leads.

How does the subordinating conjunction omdat affect the sentence structure?

Omdat means because and introduces a subordinate clause that explains the reason behind the main clause. In Dutch, when using omdat, the finite verb in the subordinate clause (zetten) is moved to the end. This distinctive word order is a key characteristic of Dutch subordinate clauses.

What is the role of the pronoun ze in the sentence?

Ze is a pronoun that replaces bloemenvazen to avoid repetition. It clearly indicates that the vases mentioned at the beginning of the sentence are the ones being put achter in de kast. The pronoun ensures the sentence remains concise while retaining clarity.

Why is the phrase achter in de kast structured this way, and what does it imply about the location?

Achter in de kast means at the back in the cupboard. Here, achter provides a directional cue, while in de kast specifies the location. Together, they emphasize that the vases are deliberately placed deep in or at the rear of the cupboard, making them less visible. This construction is typical in Dutch when describing a specific placement or location.