Breakdown of Wanneer je bij een onbekend huis wilt binnenkomen, is het netjes om eerst aan te bellen.
zijn
to be
het huis
the house
het
it
om
for
willen
to want
eerst
first
wanneer
when
je
you
bij
at
aanbellen
to ring
onbekend
unfamiliar
binnenkomen
to enter
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Questions & Answers about Wanneer je bij een onbekend huis wilt binnenkomen, is het netjes om eerst aan te bellen.
What is the function of the subordinate clause introduced by wanneer in this sentence?
It sets the context for the main clause by describing the situation. Here, "wanneer je bij een onbekend huis wilt binnenkomen" explains the circumstances (i.e., “when you want to enter an unfamiliar house”) under which the action in the main clause is suggested.
Why is the separable verb aanbellen written as aan te bellen in this sentence?
When using the “om … te + infinitive” construction in Dutch, separable verbs are split so that the prefix appears before te and the main verb follows. Hence, aanbellen becomes aan te bellen to indicate that the correct (polite) action is to “ring the doorbell” first.
What role does the modal verb wilt play in "wanneer je bij een onbekend huis wilt binnenkomen"?
Wilt is the second-person singular form of willen (“to want”). It expresses the intention or desire to perform the action binnenkomen (“to enter”). This modal construction is typical in Dutch when describing an action one intends to do.
How does the preposition bij function in the phrase "bij een onbekend huis"?
Bij generally means “at” or “next to.” In this context, it specifies the location associated with the action—indicating that you are at or near an unfamiliar house where you wish to enter.
What does the adjective netjes convey in the main clause "is het netjes om eerst aan te bellen"?
Netjes implies that an action is proper, polite, or in line with social etiquette. Here, it suggests that it’s considered proper behavior to ring the doorbell before entering an unknown house.
Why is there a comma after the subordinate clause in this sentence?
In Dutch, as in English, a subordinate clause that comes before the main clause is usually set off by a comma. This comma after "binnenkomen" marks the end of the subordinate clause and clarifies the structure of the sentence.