Breakdown of Ondertussen kun jij gerust een kopje thee nemen en wachten tot de middag.
jij
you
en
and
nemen
to take
kunnen
can
wachten
to wait
tot
until
ondertussen
meanwhile
gerust
at ease
het kopje thee
the cup of tea
de middag
the afternoon
Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Dutch grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Ondertussen kun jij gerust een kopje thee nemen en wachten tot de middag.
What does "Ondertussen" mean and how is it used in this sentence?
"Ondertussen" translates to "in the meantime" or "meanwhile." It sets up a contrast between different actions or time frames, suggesting that while one event (waiting until the afternoon) is occurring, another action (taking a cup of tea) can be done concurrently.
How is the modal verb "kun" functioning in this sentence?
The modal verb "kun" (a form of "kunnen") expresses ability or permission, very much like "can" in English. It is paired with two main actions in the infinitive forms: "nemen" (to take) and "wachten" (to wait). In Dutch, when a modal verb is used, the subsequent verbs remain in their infinitive form and are placed at the end of the clause.
What role does "gerust" play, and why is it included here?
"Gerust" is an adverb that conveys a sense of ease or reassurance, somewhat similar to "comfortably" or "without worry" in English. Its inclusion suggests that the person is free to relax while waiting, emphasizing that taking a cup of tea is a calming, stress-free action.
How does the phrase "wachten tot de middag" function grammatically in the sentence?
The phrase "wachten tot de middag" is an infinitive phrase that further explains what action the subject may perform. "Wachten" (to wait) is one of the coordinated infinitives following the modal verb, and "tot de middag" acts as a time complement, specifying the duration or limit of the waiting period. It functions similarly to the English phrase "wait until the afternoon."
Why is the subject "jij" explicitly mentioned, and could it be omitted in casual Dutch?
In Dutch, the subject "jij" is often included for clarity or emphasis—this mirrors the use of the stressed form "you" in English. While in more informal or contextually clear situations the subject might be dropped, including "jij" here draws attention to the individual being addressed, making the suggestion or instruction more direct.