Breakdown of In die fabriek worden veel machines gebruikt die wij niet zomaar mogen aanraken.
niet
not
wij
we
in
in
die
that
mogen
to be allowed
aanraken
to touch
gebruiken
to use
veel
many
worden
to become
de fabriek
the factory
de machine
the machine
zomaar
just
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Questions & Answers about In die fabriek worden veel machines gebruikt die wij niet zomaar mogen aanraken.
What does In die fabriek mean in the sentence?
It literally translates as “In that factory.” The demonstrative die specifies a particular factory, much like “that” in English, indicating where the action (the use of many machines) takes place.
How does the passive construction worden gebruikt work in this sentence?
The combination worden gebruikt forms the passive voice in Dutch, similar to the English “are used.” Here, worden is the auxiliary verb and gebruikt is the past participle that describes the action performed on the subject (the machines).
What is the function of the relative clause die wij niet zomaar mogen aanraken?
This relative clause modifies veel machines (many machines), specifying which machines are being talked about. It adds the information that these machines are ones we are not allowed to touch just arbitrarily, emphasizing a prohibition or restriction.
What does niet zomaar mean within this context?
Niet zomaar translates roughly as “not just” or “not arbitrarily.” In this sentence, it emphasizes that there are special rules or precautions in place regarding the handling of these machines, rather than simply allowing any casual contact.
Why is the modal verb mogen used in the clause and what does it signify?
The verb mogen means “to be allowed to” or “may.” Its use in the clause communicates that there is a restriction—in other words, we are not permitted to touch those machines without special permission or caution.
How is the word order in the relative clause die wij niet zomaar mogen aanraken determined?
In Dutch subordinate clauses (including relative clauses), the finite verb is generally placed at the end. In this clause, wij (we) is the subject, followed by the adverb niet zomaar, and then the modal verb mogen and the main verb aanraken appear at the very end. This word order is standard in Dutch subordinate constructions.
Are there notable differences between this Dutch passive construction and its English counterpart?
Yes. While both languages use an auxiliary verb with a past participle in forming the passive voice, Dutch structures it as worden gebruikt with the auxiliary preceding the past participle. Additionally, Dutch often exhibits verb-final order in subordinate clauses, a feature that English generally lacks. This can lead to differences in sentence rhythm and structure between the two languages.
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