Breakdown of Ik laat de hond in de tuin spelen.
ik
I
de hond
the dog
in
in
spelen
to play
de tuin
the garden
laten
to let
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Questions & Answers about Ik laat de hond in de tuin spelen.
Why is the infinitive form spelen placed at the end of the sentence?
In Dutch, especially in constructions with the causative verb laten, the structure typically follows this pattern: Subject + Finite Verb + Object + Additional Phrases + Infinitive. Here, spelen (play) remains in its base form and is positioned at the end, indicating the action that the object is permitted to perform.
What is the role of the verb laat in this sentence?
The verb laat is the first-person singular form of laten, which means "to let" or "to allow." It creates a causative construction where the subject (ik) permits the object (de hond) to carry out the action expressed by the infinitive spelen.
Why doesn’t the verb spelen get conjugated like a regular present tense verb?
After verbs like laten, Dutch grammar requires that the subsequent verb stay in its infinitive form. This rule applies to many causative and modal constructions, ensuring that the action allowed (in this case, spelen) remains in its base form and is placed at the end of the clause.
Why is the locative phrase in de tuin inserted between the object and the infinitive, rather than after the object?
In de tuin functions as an adverbial phrase specifying the location of the action. Dutch word order allows adverbials to be placed between the object and the infinitive without changing the meaning. This placement helps emphasize where the action (playing) occurs, while still following the standard structure of the sentence.
Can the order of in de tuin and spelen be switched without affecting the meaning?
Yes, you might also hear Ik laat de hond spelen in de tuin. Although both orders are grammatically correct in Dutch, the slight rearrangement can subtly shift the emphasis. The original order with in de tuin before spelen focuses more on the location where the action takes place.
How does the structure of this Dutch sentence compare to its English equivalent?
The Dutch sentence Ik laat de hond in de tuin spelen translates to "I let the dog play in the garden." Both languages use a similar causative construction where the subject permits an action by the object. However, while English has a more flexible word order, Dutch consistently places the infinitive (spelen) at the end of such constructions.
What do the definite articles de before hond and tuin indicate?
The article de is the definite article used with common gender nouns in Dutch. In de hond, it signals that a specific dog (known in the context) is being referred to, and likewise, in de tuin denotes a particular garden. These articles provide clarity and specificity regarding the entities mentioned in the sentence.