Learn Hardcore Dutch: Ik vind zoet eten erg lekker, maar te veel suiker kan ongezond zijn. - I find sweet foods really tasty, but too much sugar can be unhealthy.

Ik vind literally translates to I find, but it's commonly used in Dutch to express a personal opinion. In this context, it means I think or I like, setting up the speaker’s view about sweet food.

How does the phrase zoet eten work, and is its word order similar to English?

Zoet eten means sweet food. The adjective zoet (sweet) directly modifies the noun eten (food), much like in English. The ordering is straightforward, with the adjective coming before the noun.

What role does erg play in erg lekker, and how is it similar to English intensifiers?

Erg functions as an intensifier—it’s akin to very or really in English. In the phrase erg lekker, it amplifies the adjective lekker (tasty/delicious), conveying that the speaker finds sweet food extremely enjoyable.

How do te veel and suiker work together in this sentence?

Te veel translates as too much—with te meaning too and veel meaning much or a lot. When combined with suiker (sugar), the phrase te veel suiker expresses that an excessive amount of sugar can have negative health effects.

What is the function of kan in kan ongezond zijn, and how does it alter the meaning?

Kan is a modal verb meaning can. It indicates possibility rather than certainty. In kan ongezond zijn (can be unhealthy), it suggests that consuming too much sugar has the potential to be unhealthy, rather than stating it as a definitively harmful fact.