Breakdown of Deze machine kun je gemakkelijk bedienen door op de knop te drukken.
kunnen
can
je
you
door
by
op
on
de machine
the machine
gemakkelijk
easily
bedienen
to operate
de knop
the button
drukken
to press
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Questions & Answers about Deze machine kun je gemakkelijk bedienen door op de knop te drukken.
How is the sentence structured, and why is deze machine placed at the beginning?
The sentence uses a topicalization strategy, where deze machine (meaning "this machine") is placed at the beginning to emphasize what is being operated. In Dutch, the finite verb must appear in the second position. Consequently, even though je (meaning "you") is the subject, it follows the modal verb kun. The structure is: topicalized element (deze machine) + modal verb (kun) + subject (je) + adverb (gemakkelijk) + main verb (bedienen).
How does the modal verb construction work in this sentence?
The modal verb kun comes from kunnen, meaning "can" in English. In Dutch modal constructions, after a fronted element (here, deze machine), the finite modal verb takes the second position, followed by the subject (je) and later the main verb in its infinitive form. This order complies with Dutch syntax rules, ensuring the finite verb occupies the second slot.
What does the verb bedienen mean in this context?
The verb bedienen translates to "to operate" or "to control." In this sentence, it refers to the act of operating the machine, clearly indicating the main action that the subject performs.
How is the phrase door op de knop te drukken structured, and what does it signify?
This phrase is an infinitive construction that explains the method of operating the machine. Door serves as a preposition meaning "by" and introduces the manner in which the action is done. Op de knop means "on the button," and te drukken is the infinitive form of drukken ("to press"). Together, they mean "by pressing the button."
What role does the adverb gemakkelijk play in this sentence?
The adverb gemakkelijk translates to "easily" and modifies the verb bedienen. It describes the manner of operation, emphasizing that the machine can be operated without difficulty.
How does the word order in this Dutch sentence differ from a typical English sentence?
In English, a similar sentence would be structured as "You can easily operate this machine by pressing the button," with the subject "you" starting the sentence. In Dutch, however, elements can be fronted (as with deze machine) for emphasis, and the finite verb must remain in the second position. This forces the subject (je) to follow the modal verb rather than coming first, which is a notable difference from typical English word order.