…
Breakdown of Na de lunch hebben wij een korte bespreking.
hebben
to have
wij
we
kort
short
na
after
de bespreking
the discussion
de lunch
the lunch
Questions & Answers about Na de lunch hebben wij een korte bespreking.
What does the phrase Na de lunch mean in English?
It translates to after lunch. This prepositional phrase sets the time context for the sentence by indicating when the action (having a meeting) takes place.
Why is the subject wij placed after the verb hebben instead of at the beginning of the sentence?
In Dutch, when a sentence starts with an adverbial element (like the time phrase Na de lunch), inversion occurs. This means the verb (hebben) comes immediately after the opening phrase, followed by the subject (wij). This word order is a common feature in Dutch sentence structure.
What is the function of the article een in the phrase een korte bespreking?
Een is the indefinite article in Dutch, equivalent to a in English. It introduces the noun phrase korte bespreking, indicating that the meeting is one example of such an event without specifying which particular one.
How does the adjective korte work in this sentence?
Korte is an attributive adjective describing the noun bespreking. It means short in English and provides additional information about the duration or nature of the meeting. In Dutch, adjectives typically come before the nouns they modify.
Can you explain the overall sentence structure of Na de lunch hebben wij een korte bespreking?
Certainly. The sentence begins with an adverbial phrase (Na de lunch) that sets the time. The inversion follows, meaning the verb (hebben) comes next, then the subject (wij), and finally the object (een korte bespreking). This structure emphasizes the time element at the start of the sentence.
Is the verb–subject inversion found in this sentence common in Dutch?
Yes, it is common. When a sentence starts with something other than the subject—such as a time or location phrase—Dutch typically uses inversion, placing the verb before the subject.
What is the difference between bespreking and other Dutch words for a meeting, like vergadering?
Bespreking generally suggests a discussion or a meeting where topics are talked over, often in a somewhat informal or less structured context. On the other hand, vergadering tends to refer to a more formal or organized meeting, such as a board meeting or official assembly. The choice of word depends on the formality and nature of the gathering.
More from this lesson
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Dutch grammar?”
Dutch grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.
Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor
Start learning DutchMaster Dutch — from Na de lunch hebben wij een korte bespreking to fluency
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.
- ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
- ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
- ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
- ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions