Learn Hardcore Dutch: Houd rekening met het weerbericht als je buiten gaat verven, zodat je verf niet natregent. - Take the weather forecast into account if you are going to paint outside, so that your paint does not get rained on.

It means "take into account" or "consider." This imperatively tells you to keep something in mind—in this case, the weather forecast—when planning your activity.

What does het weerbericht refer to, and how is it formed?

Het weerbericht translates to "the weather forecast." It’s a compound noun made from "weer" (weather) and "bericht" (report), and the neuter article "het" is used because the noun is neuter in Dutch.

Why is the phrase "als je buiten gaat verven" used, and what does it mean?

This phrase means "when you go outside to paint." It sets a condition for the instruction. "Buiten" indicates the location (outside), "gaat" is the finite verb showing that the action is about to take place, and "verven" is the infinitive verb meaning "to paint."

What is the function of the word "zodat" in the sentence?

Zodat means "so that" and introduces a purpose clause. It explains why you should take the weather forecast into account—namely, to ensure that your paint doesn’t get rained on.

Why is there a comma before "zodat"?

In Dutch, subordinate or purpose clauses (introduced by conjunctions like "zodat") are typically set off by a comma from the main clause. This helps clarify that the latter part of the sentence explains the intended result or purpose.

Is "natregent" a single compound word, and what does it imply?

Yes, "natregent" is a compound word combining "nat" (wet) and "regent" (rains). It implies that the paint could become wet from the rain if you don’t check the weather forecast before painting outside.