Wij ronden de vergadering af.

We finish the meeting.

Breakdown of Wij ronden de vergadering af.

• wij: we
• de vergadering: the meeting
• afronden: to finish

Questions & Answers about Wij ronden de vergadering af.

Why is the verb split into its parts in this sentence?

Dutch often uses separable verbs. Here, the verb is “afronden” (to finish or conclude), and in main clauses its prefix “af” detaches and is placed at the end. The main part “ronden” is conjugated, while “af” comes last according to Dutch word order rules.

What does “afronden” mean in this context?

“Afronden” means to finish, complete, or conclude something. In the sentence “Wij ronden de vergadering af,” it means “we are finishing (or concluding) the meeting.” Although the meaning is shown, understanding the nuances of “afronden” can help you appreciate its formal tone in meetings or projects.

How is the sentence structured in terms of word order?

The sentence follows the typical Dutch main clause structure: the subject (“Wij”) comes first, followed by the conjugated verb (“ronden”), then the object (“de vergadering”), and finally the separated prefix (“af”). This placement of the verb’s prefix at the end is a key feature of separable verbs in Dutch.

How would the structure change if the sentence were part of a subordinate clause?

In subordinate clauses, separable verbs generally remain as one unit and do not split up. For example, in a subordinate clause you might say, “Omdat wij de vergadering afronden” (“Because we finish the meeting”), keeping “afronden” together at the end rather than placing “af” separately.

What role does the definite article “de” play in “de vergadering”?

“De” is the definite article in Dutch, equivalent to “the” in English. It indicates that a specific meeting is being referred to. In “de vergadering,” “vergadering” means “meeting,” so together they mean “the meeting.”

Are there other common Dutch verbs that behave like “afronden”?

Yes, many Dutch verbs are separable. For example, “opmaken” (to finish off or complete) and “meebrengen” (to bring along) work similarly: when used in main clauses, their prefixes separate and appear at the end of the sentence. Familiarizing yourself with these verbs and their structure will help you master Dutch sentence construction.