Ik maak een lijstje met boodschappen voor de picknick.

I make a list of groceries for the picnic.

Breakdown of Ik maak een lijstje met boodschappen voor de picknick.

• ik: I
• met: with
• voor: for
• de picknick: the picnic
• maken: to make
• het lijstje: the list

Questions & Answers about Ik maak een lijstje met boodschappen voor de picknick.

What does the verb maak mean in this sentence, and why is it in the present tense?

maak comes from the verb maken, which means “to make” or “to create.” In this sentence, it’s used in the present simple tense to indicate that the speaker is currently in the process of making a list. In Dutch, the present tense is often used to talk about actions that are happening now or in the near future.

Why is the noun lijstje used instead of lijst, and what does the diminutive suffix -je signify?

The word lijstje is the diminutive form of lijst. In Dutch, adding -je to a noun not only implies that the item is small but also often conveys a sense of familiarity or informality. So lijstje subtly suggests that this is a small or casual list, which fits well when noting down groceries for a picnic.

What role does the preposition met play in this sentence?

The preposition met translates to “with” in English. It connects the list to its contents—in this case, boodschappen (groceries). It indicates that the list is made up of the grocery items that are intended for purchase, much like saying “a list with groceries.”

Can you explain what boodschappen means here, and is there any nuance an English speaker should be aware of?

boodschappen refers to groceries or shopping items, typically things you would buy for daily use or special occasions like a picnic. While it can broadly mean any shopping errand, in this context it clearly indicates that the speaker is preparing to buy the necessary supplies for the event.

How does the prepositional phrase voor de picknick function in the sentence, and what is its English equivalent?

The phrase voor de picknick uses the preposition voor, which means “for” in English. It specifies the purpose of the grocery shopping—the items on the list are intended for use at the picnic. This helps clarify the context and the reason behind making the list.