Learn Hardcore Dutch: Tom houdt ervan om kruiden toe te voegen wanneer hij kookt; hij gebruikt graag rozemarijn en basilicum. - Tom likes to add spices when he cooks; he likes to use rosemary and basil.

"Houdt ervan" means that Tom is fond of or enjoys something. In this sentence, it indicates that Tom really enjoys adding herbs to his cooking.

How is the phrase "om kruiden toe te voegen" structured after "houdt ervan"?

In Dutch, when expressing enjoyment or preference with verbs like "houden van", it’s common to follow them with an infinitive clause using "om". Here, "om kruiden toe te voegen" means "to add herbs". This structure shows the specific activity that Tom enjoys.

What role does "wanneer" play in the sentence?

"Wanneer" functions as a subordinating conjunction that means "when". It introduces the subordinate clause "hij kookt", explaining the time or condition under which Tom adds herbs—that is, while he is cooking.

Why is the word "graag" used in the second clause, and what nuance does it add?

"Graag" is used to express that someone likes to do something. In the sentence "hij gebruikt graag rozemarijn en basilicum", it adds the nuance that Tom not only uses these herbs but does so with pleasure—it shows his particular preference for rosemary and basil.

Is there a difference in expressing preferences between "houdt ervan" and "gebruikt graag"?

Yes, there is a slight difference. "Houdt ervan" is typically followed by an infinitive clause (using "om") to refer to enjoying an action in general (as in "om kruiden toe te voegen"). In contrast, "gebruikt graag" uses "graag" directly after the verb to emphasize that Tom likes performing that action—in this case, using rosemary and basil. The difference lies in the structure rather than the intensity of the preference.