Learn Hardcore Dutch: Anna doet het voorstel om met de fiets naar de bijeenkomst te gaan, zodat we geen parkeerplek hoeven te zoeken. - Anna makes the proposal to go by bike to the meeting, so that we do not have to look for a parking spot.

It means that Anna makes a proposal or suggests an idea. Although the literal translation is “does the proposal,” in natural English we say “makes the suggestion,” indicating that Anna is the one who is putting forward the idea.

How is the phrase "om met de fiets naar de bijeenkomst te gaan" structured, and what does it convey?

This phrase is an infinitive clause that explains the proposed action. It begins with "om" (meaning “in order to”), followed by "met de fiets" (“by bike”), "naar de bijeenkomst" (“to the meeting”), and concludes with "te gaan" (the infinitive form of “to go”). Altogether, it conveys the idea “to go by bike to the meeting.”

What role does "zodat" play in this sentence?

"Zodat" is a subordinating conjunction that translates as “so that.” It introduces the subordinate clause "zodat we geen parkeerplek hoeven te zoeken," which explains the intended result of Anna’s proposal—in this case, ensuring that we do not have to search for a parking spot.

Why is the modal construction "hoeven te zoeken" used in the subordinate clause?

In Dutch, the modal verb "hoeven" is used to express necessity—or in this negated form, the lack of necessity. When combined with the infinitive "te zoeken" (“to search”), and with "geen parkeerplek" (“no parking spot”) placed before it, the construction indicates that we are not obligated to search for a parking spot.

Why does the sentence use "doet" with "het voorstel" instead of using another verb like "maakt"?

In Dutch, the idiomatic expression for “making a suggestion” is "een voorstel doen." Although both "doen" and "maken" can mean “to make” in different contexts, using "doen" here is standard and natural. Saying "een voorstel maken" would sound unusual to native speakers.