Ik heb iemand nodig die vandaag de vloer moet vegen, want hij is erg vies.

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Breakdown of Ik heb iemand nodig die vandaag de vloer moet vegen, want hij is erg vies.

• zijn: to be
• hij: he
• want: because
• vandaag: today
• moeten: must
• nodig hebben: to need
• erg: very
• vies: dirty
• iemand: someone
• die: who
• de vloer: the floor
• vegen: to sweep

Questions & Answers about Ik heb iemand nodig die vandaag de vloer moet vegen, want hij is erg vies.

How does the relative clause "die vandaag de vloer moet vegen" function in this sentence?

It adds specific information about the noun "iemand" ("someone") mentioned in the main clause. The relative pronoun "die" connects this clause to "iemand" and tells us what that person is supposed to do—namely, sweep the floor today.

What does the phrase "moet vegen" mean, and how is the modal verb used here?

"Moet" is the conjugated form of the modal verb "moeten," meaning "must" or "has to," and "vegen" is the infinitive form meaning "to sweep." Together, they indicate that the person (the antecedent of the relative clause) is obliged to sweep the floor.

Why is there a comma before "want hij is erg vies," and what role does "want" play in the sentence?

The comma separates two independent clauses. The conjunction "want" means "because" and introduces a clause that explains why someone is needed—that is, because the floor is very dirty. The punctuation helps clarify that the reason follows the initial statement of need.

In the clause "want hij is erg vies," to which noun does the pronoun "hij" refer, and why is that choice appropriate?

While it might seem a bit ambiguous at first, "hij" logically refers to "de vloer" ("the floor"). Describing a person as "very dirty" would be unusual in this context, so it makes sense that the dirty condition applies to the floor. In Dutch, since "vloer" is a common gender noun (taking the article "de"), using "hij" for it is acceptable in colloquial usage.

What does "nodig" convey in the phrase "Ik heb iemand nodig," and how does it compare to similar expressions in Dutch?

"Nodig" means "needed" or "required." In the sentence, "Ik heb iemand nodig" translates to "I need someone," emphasizing a requirement for a person. It’s part of a common Dutch construction expressing necessity. Although there are other words like "noodzakelijk" (necessary), "nodig" is more commonly used in everyday speech to state that something (or someone) is needed.

Can you explain the overall structure of the sentence "Ik heb iemand nodig die vandaag de vloer moet vegen, want hij is erg vies"?

Certainly. The sentence is composed of three parts:

1. The main clause "Ik heb iemand nodig" states the need for a person.
2. The relative clause "die vandaag de vloer moet vegen" provides details about what that person is supposed to do.
3. The coordinating clause introduced by "want" ("want hij is erg vies") explains the reason behind the requirement, namely that the floor is very dirty. This combined structure is typical in Dutch, linking a need, a specific qualification of that need, and its justification in one coherent sentence.