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Questions & Answers about Ik koop contant een boek.
What is the function of the word contant in this sentence?
Contant functions as an adverb. It modifies the verb koop, explaining that the purchase is made with cash, rather than describing or qualifying the noun boek.
Why is contant placed between the verb koop and the object een boek?
In Dutch, adverbs that describe how an action is performed are often positioned immediately after the finite verb. Placing contant between koop and een boek follows this common word order pattern, allowing the adverb to clarify the manner of buying without disrupting the core subject–verb–object structure.
Can I also say "Ik koop een boek contant", and if so, does it change the meaning?
Yes, you might encounter "Ik koop een boek contant" in informal contexts. Although both orders are understandable, placing contant directly after the verb (as in "Ik koop contant een boek") is more idiomatic in Dutch. The meaning remains essentially the same, though the emphasis might shift slightly depending on placement.
Do I need to modify or decline contant according to gender, number, or case in this sentence?
No, you do not. Since contant is used as an adverb, it remains unchanged regardless of the subject, object, or context. Dutch adverbs do not inflect for gender, number, or case.
Is a preposition required before contant to indicate that the purchase is made in cash?
No preposition is needed. In this sentence, contant directly modifies koop to indicate that the action is carried out in cash. The sentence is correctly formed without any additional prepositional element.