Learn Hardcore Dutch: Bedenk of zulke wezens echt kunnen bestaan en probeer hun eigenschappen te omschrijven. - Think about whether such creatures can truly exist and try to describe their characteristics in other words.

Bedenk is the imperative form of the verb bedenken, which means to think of, consider, or imagine. In this context, it commands you to envision or come up with an idea regarding the existence of such beings.

How does the conjunction of function here, and what does it imply?

In this sentence, of serves as a subordinating conjunction that translates to whether. It introduces an indirect yes-or-no question about the possibility of such beings existing.

Why is zulke used before wezens, and what does it mean?

Zulke is an adjective meaning such. It is correctly inflected to match the plural noun wezens (meaning beings), emphasizing that you’re considering beings of a particular type or nature.

How does the structure kunnen bestaan work, and what does it express?

Kunnen is a modal verb meaning can and bestaan is the infinitive form of the verb meaning to exist. Together, kunnen bestaan means can exist. This structure is typical in Dutch, where the modal verb precedes the main verb, much like in English.

What does the phrase probeer hun eigenschappen te omschrijven instruct you to do?

This phrase is an imperative clause instructing you to try to describe the characteristics or properties (eigenschappen) of these beings. The construction probeer ... te omschrijven mirrors the English try to describe, with te omschrijven serving as the infinitive following the directive verb probeer.

How does the conjunction en link the parts of this sentence?

The conjunction en functions as a coordinator, linking the two imperative clauses. It connects the instruction to consider whether such beings can exist with the subsequent instruction to describe their characteristics, thereby forming a sequence of tasks.