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Questions & Answers about De bank is bezet door Anna.
What does the Dutch word bank refer to in this context?
The word bank can have multiple meanings in Dutch—it might refer to a piece of furniture like a sofa or a bench, or even a financial institution. Based on the provided context and meaning, here it most likely means a piece of furniture (i.e., a sofa or bench) that is occupied by Anna.
Why is the definite article de used before bank in this sentence?
In Dutch, nouns have a grammatical gender. The article de is used with common gender nouns (masculine or feminine), while het is used with neuter nouns. Since bank is a common gender noun, it correctly takes the definite article de.
What does the adjective bezet mean, and how is it functioning in this sentence?
The adjective bezet means occupied or taken. In this sentence, it describes the state of the bank. It functions similar to a past participle used adjectivally in passive constructions, indicating that the bank is currently occupied by Anna.
What is the role of the preposition door in this sentence?
The preposition door translates to by in English. In passive constructions like this one, it introduces the agent responsible for the state or action. Here, door Anna shows that Anna is the one occupying the bank.
Does this sentence use a passive construction similar to English? If so, how?
Yes, it does. The structure is bezet door Anna is analogous to the English passive voice—as in is occupied by Anna. The subject (de bank) is described in terms of its current state (occupied), with door Anna indicating who or what is responsible for that state.
Should I use an article with a proper name like Anna in Dutch?
No, proper names in Dutch do not require an article. Just as in English, Anna is used without any article. The phrase door Anna is completely correct as it stands.