Learn Hardcore Dutch: Die besparing en ontwikkeling zijn nu makkelijker te bespreken, omdat we samen overleggen. - That saving and development are now easier to discuss, because we are chatting together.

In this sentence, die acts as a demonstrative determiner that points to the specific "besparing" (savings) and "ontwikkeling" (development) already known or mentioned in context. Dutch allows a single demonstrative to govern multiple nouns when they form part of one compound subject, and since both nouns are common gender (they take “de”), die is appropriate here.

Why does the sentence use the plural verb "zijn" even though "die" seems singular?

Although the demonstrative die might seem singular at first glance, it applies to a compound subject—besparing en ontwikkeling—which collectively is plural. Therefore, the verb zijn (are) is correctly used to agree with the plural subject.

How is the phrase "makkelijker te bespreken" constructed, and what does it mean?

The phrase makkelijker te bespreken is made up of the comparative adjective makkelijker (easier) followed by the infinitive phrase te bespreken (to discuss). Together, they describe that the savings and development are now in a state that makes them easier to discuss. This construction, where an adjective is immediately linked to an infinitive clause with "te," is common in Dutch to express a potential or capability.

What role does the conjunction "omdat" play, and how does it affect the word order in the clause that follows?

Omdat means "because" and it introduces a subordinate clause that explains the reason behind the main clause’s statement. In Dutch, subordinate clauses introduced by conjunctions like omdat feature the conjugated verb at the end of the clause. That’s why overleggen (to confer/consult) appears after the subject and any adverbs (in this case, samen) at the clause’s end.

There are two verbs related to discussion here—"bespreken" and "overleggen." How do their meanings differ in this context?

While both verbs involve communication, they carry distinct nuances. Bespreken means “to discuss” and is used here to indicate that the topics (savings and development) can be talked about more easily. In contrast, overleggen implies “to confer” or “to consult” with one another, hinting at a collaborative decision-making process. The sentence suggests that because we are consulting together (samen overleggen), the discussion becomes easier.