Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Dutch grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Tom speelt in de wedstrijd.
What does the verb speelt mean, and how is it conjugated in this sentence?
Speelt is the third-person singular present tense form of spelen (to play). Because Tom is the subject, the verb takes the -t ending, meaning Tom plays or is playing.
What does the prepositional phrase in de wedstrijd indicate?
The phrase in de wedstrijd specifies the context in which Tom is playing—it means in the match or in the game. It tells us that his playing is taking place during a particular contest or sporting event.
Why is the preposition in used here, and could another preposition be used instead?
In Dutch sports contexts, in is typically used with spelen to indicate participating within a match. Although another expression like meedoen aan de wedstrijd (to participate in the match) uses aan, when using spelen, in is the conventional choice.
How is the sentence structured in terms of word order compared to English?
The sentence follows a standard Dutch word order: Subject (Tom) – Verb (speelt) – Complement (in de wedstrijd). This is similar to the basic English structure (Subject–Verb–Object), making it relatively straightforward for English speakers to grasp.
Why is the definite article de used before wedstrijd, and what does it tell us?
The use of de before wedstrijd indicates that wedstrijd is a common-gender noun and that a specific match is being referred to. Just as the match specifies a particular contest in English, de wedstrijd signals that the match is understood in the context.