Learn Hardcore Dutch: Omschrijf je idee duidelijk, dan kan iedereen beter reageren tijdens de vergadering. - Paraphrase your idea clearly, then everyone can react better during the meeting.

It means "Describe your idea clearly." The sentence uses the imperative mood to give a direct instruction. In Dutch, as in English, commands are often phrased without an explicit subject, making it clear that the listener is being addressed.

Why is the sentence split into two parts with a comma?

The comma separates the command from its consequence. The first part, Omschrijf je idee duidelijk, instructs someone to describe their idea clearly. The second part, beginning with dan, explains the result: everyone will be able to react more effectively during the meeting if the instruction is followed.

What role does the word dan play in this sentence?

Dan is equivalent to "then" in English. It connects the initial instruction to the outcome that follows, indicating that the clear description will lead to improved reactions during the meeting. It sets up a cause-and-effect relationship between the two clauses.

How is the subject handled in the imperative command compared to the second clause?

In the imperative Omschrijf je idee duidelijk, the subject "you" is implied rather than explicitly stated, which is common in Dutch commands. In the second clause, dan kan iedereen beter reageren tijdens de vergadering, the subject is iedereen (everyone), making it clear who is expected to benefit from the clear communication.

Can you explain the word order in the second clause, dan kan iedereen beter reageren tijdens de vergadering?

Certainly. The second clause follows Dutch sentence structure: the modal verb kan (can) appears early in the clause, followed by the subject iedereen (everyone), and the main verb reageren (react/respond) comes later. This word order is typical in Dutch declarative sentences, even though it might differ from the standard English format.

What does beter reageren imply in this context?

Beter reageren literally means "react better." In this context, it suggests that if you communicate your idea clearly, everyone will be able to understand it more easily and thus respond more effectively during the meeting. The focus is on improving the quality of the responses by ensuring clarity.

Why is the phrase tijdens de vergadering important?

Tijdens de vergadering means "during the meeting." This phrase specifies the time frame in which the improved responses are expected to occur. It emphasizes that the clear communication of your idea is particularly intended to enhance the quality of interactions and decision-making when everyone is gathered in the meeting.