Learn Hardcore Dutch: Ik wil mijn documenten veilig opslaan, dus ik bewaar alles op een externe harde schijf. - I want to save my documents securely, so I keep everything on an external hard drive.

Both verbs can translate to “store” or “save” in English, but they have slightly different connotations. Opslaan emphasizes the act of saving data (for example, putting files into a computer’s memory), while bewaren conveys the idea of keeping or securing something over time. In the sentence, the first clause stresses saving the documents safely, and the second clause explains that everything is kept on an external hard drive.

Why is there a comma before dus in the sentence?

The comma is used to separate two independent clauses that are connected by the coordinating conjunction dus (which means “so” or “therefore”). This punctuation choice helps clarify the sentence structure by marking the division between the statement of intent and its result.

What does the adjective externe mean in “externe harde schijf,” and why does it have an –e ending?

The adjective externe means “external” and describes a hard drive that is separate from the primary computer system. In Dutch, adjectives placed before a noun are typically inflected with an –e ending when the noun is determined (for example, when used with an article like een) or when the noun is of common gender. This rule ensures that the adjective clearly modifies the noun that follows.

How is the modal verb wil functioning here, and what does it indicate about the speaker’s intention?

Wil is the first-person singular present form of the modal verb willen, which means “to want.” It indicates that the speaker has a desire or intention to perform the action of safely storing their documents. Using a modal verb signals that the following action is planned or intended rather than describing a completed event.

Is it necessary to include the subject ik in both parts of the sentence?

Yes, it is necessary here because the sentence consists of two independent clauses connected by dus. Each clause has its own subject; the repetition of ik clarifies that the same speaker is performing both actions. This structure is similar to English, where repeating the subject in coordinated clauses is common for clarity.

What role does the adverb veilig play in “mijn documenten veilig opslaan”?

Veilig means “safely” or “securely” and serves as an adverb that modifies opslaan. It specifies that the action of saving or storing documents is done in a secure manner, emphasizing the importance of data protection in the context of the sentence.