Learn Hardcore Dutch: Verlaat het gebouw rustig, zodat we niets hoeven te verliezen in de haast. - Leave the building calmly, so we don't have to lose anything in the rush.

Verlaat is the imperative form of the verb verlaten (meaning “to leave”). In Dutch commands, the subject (“you”) is usually omitted, so Verlaat directly tells someone to leave. Its use here establishes the instruction or command.

What does rustig mean in this context, and how does it modify the sentence?

Rustig functions as an adverb, describing the manner in which the action should be carried out. In this sentence, it suggests leaving the building in a calm, composed way—not in a rushed or panicked manner. While it can sometimes translate as “quietly,” in this context “calmly” fits best.

Why is there a comma before zodat, and what role does zodat play in the sentence?

A comma is placed before zodat because it introduces a subordinate clause that explains the purpose or consequence of the main action. Zodat means “so that” and provides the reasoning behind leaving the building calmly. Dutch punctuation rules typically require a comma before subordinate clauses that start with conjunctions like zodat.

How does the construction niets hoeven te verliezen work grammatically?

In niets hoeven te verliezen, hoeven is used as a modal auxiliary that, in negative sentences, implies the absence of an obligation or necessity. The structure combines hoeven with the infinitive verliezen (preceded by te) to mean “don’t have to lose anything.” This construction is common in Dutch when expressing that something isn’t required.

What is the role of the prepositional phrase in de haast, and why is it placed at the end of the sentence?

In de haast is a prepositional phrase that gives additional context by describing the circumstances (i.e., “in the rush”). Placing it at the end of the sentence is typical in Dutch subordinate clauses or explanatory statements—it adds extra detail about the condition under which nothing should be lost.