Breakdown of Ik moet ongeveer twee dagen vrij nemen, zodat we langer kunnen reizen.
ik
I
wij
we
de dag
the day
zodat
so that
kunnen
can
moeten
must
lang
long
twee
two
ongeveer
approximately
reizen
to travel
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Questions & Answers about Ik moet ongeveer twee dagen vrij nemen, zodat we langer kunnen reizen.
What is the overall meaning of the sentence "Ik moet ongeveer twee dagen vrij nemen, zodat we langer kunnen reizen"?
The sentence means "I have to take about two days off so that we can travel for longer." It indicates that taking time off for roughly two days is necessary, and the purpose of doing so is to allow for extended travel.
What does the phrase "vrij nemen" mean, and why is it considered a separable verb?
"Vrij nemen" translates to "to take off" or "to take time off." In Dutch, it is a separable verb, which means its components can split in certain sentence constructions. Here, since it follows the modal verb "moet," it remains together at the end of the clause, but in other contexts, the prefix "vrij" may be moved to other positions in the sentence.
Why is the word "ongeveer" used in the sentence, and what does it modify?
"Ongeveer" means "approximately" or "about." It is used to modify "twee dagen" (two days), indicating that the exact number of days off isn't fixed but an approximation, roughly two days.
How does the clause "zodat we langer kunnen reizen" function within the sentence?
The clause "zodat we langer kunnen reizen" is a subordinate clause introduced by "zodat," which means "so that." It explains the purpose or the reason behind taking time off—that is, to enable longer travel. Notice that in the subordinate clause, the verb phrase "kunnen reizen" is placed at the end.
Can you explain the Dutch word order in this sentence, especially regarding the use of modal and main verbs?
Certainly. In Dutch, the finite (conjugated) verb, here "moet," typically occupies the second position in the main clause. The main verb or the non-finite verb phrase, "vrij nemen," is pushed to the end of the clause. This separation is common, especially when a modal verb is involved, and understanding this pattern is key to mastering Dutch word order.
What role does "langer" play in the subordinate clause?
"Langer" means "longer" and functions as an adverb modifying the verb phrase "kunnen reizen." It specifies that the travel being referred to will be extended in duration—a longer period of travel is the intended outcome of taking the days off.