Learn Hardcore Dutch: Als het drukker wordt, blijf ik liever rustig en laat ik anderen ook gerust werken. - If it becomes busier, I prefer to stay calm and let others work in peace as well.

It translates to “When it gets busier”. This subordinate clause sets a condition (or a moment in time) under which the actions in the main clause take place.

What does the word liever mean in this context?

Liever expresses a personal preference. In this sentence, it means “preferably” or “rather,” indicating that the speaker chooses to remain calm when things get busier.

Why are both rustig and gerust used, and how do their meanings differ?

While both words are related to calmness, they serve slightly different roles. Rustig describes the state in which the speaker chooses to remain, meaning calm or unflustered. Gerust is used idiomatically with the verb laten to indicate allowing others to work without disturbance or worry. They are not interchangeable in every context because of these nuances.

How is the comparative adjective drukker formed, and what does it convey?

Drukker is the comparative form of druk (meaning “busy” or “hectic”). It conveys the idea of something increasing in busyness—that is, becoming “busier” or “more hectic.”

Why does the main clause start with the verb as in “blijf ik liever rustig” instead of “ik blijf liever rustig”?

In Dutch, when a sentence begins with a subordinate clause (here, “Als het drukker wordt”), the main clause typically uses inversion. This means that the finite verb comes before the subject, hence “blijf ik” instead of the more standard subject-verb order.

What is the role of the verb laten in this sentence?

The verb laten means “to let” or “allow.” In this context, it shows that the speaker not only prefers to remain calm but also makes sure that others are allowed to work calmly, embodying a considerate or hands-off approach.

How does the word ook function in the phrase “en laat ik anderen ook gerust werken”?

Ook means “also” or “too.” It emphasizes that the speaker’s approach to staying calm applies not only to himself but also extends to allowing others to work without disruption.

Is it necessary to repeat the subject ik in both clauses, or could it be omitted in the second clause?

While it’s sometimes possible to omit a repeated subject in coordinated clauses, repeating ik here serves to enhance clarity. It ensures that both actions—remaining calm and allowing others to work undisturbed—are explicitly connected to the speaker.