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Questions & Answers about Wassen is belangrijk.
What does wassen mean in the sentence Wassen is belangrijk?
Wassen is the infinitive form of the verb meaning to wash. In this sentence, it is used as a noun (similarly to a gerund in English) to refer to the general activity of washing.
Why is wassen capitalized in this sentence?
In Dutch, when an infinitive is used as a noun, it is capitalized just like any other noun. This treatment emphasizes its role as the subject of the sentence.
What role does belangrijk play in the sentence?
Belangrijk is an adjective meaning important. It serves as the complement that describes the subject (wassen), indicating that the act of washing is important.
How does the structure of this sentence compare to a similar sentence in English?
The structure is quite similar. Think of the English sentence Washing is important. Both languages use an action word (either as a gerund in English or an infinitive used as a noun in Dutch) as the subject, followed by a linking verb and an adjective.
Is it common in Dutch to use an infinitive as a noun as seen in this example?
Yes, it is common in Dutch to use an infinitive as a noun when referring to a general activity or concept. In such cases, the infinitive is capitalized and does not usually require an article.