Breakdown of We willen onze toekomst niet verstoppen achter angsten, maar juist op een knappe manier plannen.
niet
not
maar
but
wij
we
onze
our
willen
to want
een
a, an
plannen
to plan
de toekomst
the future
op
on
achter
behind
de angst
the fear
verstoppen
to hide
de manier
the way
Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Dutch grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about We willen onze toekomst niet verstoppen achter angsten, maar juist op een knappe manier plannen.
What is the role of the modal verb willen in this sentence, and how does it affect the word order compared to English?
In Dutch, willen functions as a modal verb meaning "want to." It appears in the second position of the sentence, which is typical for Dutch main clauses. Unlike English, where the modal verb is followed directly by the main verb (“We want to plan…”), Dutch places the main verb (plannen) at the end of the clause. This reflects the standard Dutch syntactic structure known as the verb-final position for non-finite verbs.
What does angsten mean in the sentence, and why is it in the plural form?
Angsten translates to "fears" in English. It is the plural form of angst, indicating that the reference is to multiple fears rather than a single one. This plural usage emphasizes that there are several concerns or anxieties one might have when considering the future.
How should I interpret the phrase maar juist in terms of its meaning and usage?
The phrase maar juist creates a contrast within the sentence. Maar means "but," while juist can be translated as "rather" or "exactly." Together, they stress that instead of hiding the future behind fears, the intention is to plan it in a positive, deliberate way. The phrase sets up a clear opposition between a negative action (hiding) and the positive alternative (planning).
What does the adjective knappe imply in the context of op een knappe manier plannen?
In this context, knappe is used to describe the quality of the planning. It suggests that the planning is done in an impressive, smart, or admirable way. Although knappe can mean "handsome" in other settings, here it emphasizes efficiency, effectiveness, or creativity—the planning is not just functional but also commendable in its execution.
How does the placement of the negation niet work in this sentence, and what should I be aware of regarding its scope?
The negation niet is positioned right after the subject and modal verb, directly preceding the action it negates—verstoppen (to hide). This placement clarifies that the act of hiding (specifically hiding the future behind fears) is being denied. In Dutch sentence structure, the position of niet is important because it determines which part of the sentence is negated, and in this case, it clearly contrasts the negative action with the positive alternative provided later in the sentence.
Why is the main verb plannen placed after the rest of the sentence, and does this have any specific grammatical significance?
Plannen is an infinitive form used in conjunction with the modal verb willen. In Dutch, when a modal verb is used, the main verb typically appears at the end of the clause. This verb-final structure is a common grammatical feature in Dutch subordinate clauses and sentences with modal verbs. It underscores the importance of verb placement, which differs from the more linear order often used in English sentences.