Learn Hardcore Dutch: De appel is zoet.

The sentence follows a subject + linking verb + predicate adjective pattern. De appel is the subject, is is the linking verb (the third person singular form of zijn), and zoet is the predicate adjective describing the subject.

Why is the definite article de used with appel?

In Dutch, every noun has a gender. The word appel is a common gender noun, so it takes the article de in the singular form. (Neuter gender nouns would use het instead.)

Why does the adjective zoet not have an -e ending?

When an adjective is used predicatively—meaning it follows a linking verb—it remains in its base form. In De appel is zoet, zoet is used after is, so it does not get the -e ending. However, if it were used attributively before the noun (for example, de zoete appel), it would typically take the -e ending.

How is the verb is conjugated in this sentence?

Is is the third person singular present form of the verb zijn (to be). It agrees with the singular subject appel and is used here as the linking verb.

Does the word order in De appel is zoet resemble that of English sentences?

Yes, it does. The Dutch sentence follows the same basic structure as the English sentence The apple is sweet—subject followed by a linking verb and then a predicate adjective. This similarity makes such basic sentences easier for English speakers learning Dutch.