Learn Hardcore Dutch: Dit type bloem is zeldzaam in onze tuin, maar hij ruikt heerlijk. - This type of flower is rare in our garden, but it smells wonderful.

In Dutch, demonstratives agree with the grammatical gender of the noun they modify. Although bloem on its own is a common gender (feminine) noun, in the compound dit type bloem the head is type. In this context type is treated as neuter, so dit is the appropriate choice.

What does the word type mean in this sentence?

Here, type means “kind” or “variety.” The phrase dit type bloem translates to “this type of flower,” indicating a specific kind within the broader category of flowers.

Why is the pronoun hij used in the second clause instead of het or zij?

Although bloem is feminine and might lead one to expect zij, the compound phrase often inherits its gender from its head noun—type. Many speakers treat type as masculine in usage, which is why the pronoun hij is used. Regional and habitual variations in Dutch can also affect this choice.

What role does the conjunction maar play in the sentence?

Maar means “but” and is used here to contrast the first clause with the second. It sets up the idea that even though this particular flower type is rare in the garden, it has the very pleasant quality of smelling great.

How is the sentence structured in terms of word order and clauses?

The sentence is composed of two main clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction maar. The first clause, Dit type bloem is zeldzaam in onze tuin, follows the typical Dutch word order with its subject (dit type bloem), verb (is), predicate adjective (zeldzaam) and a prepositional phrase (in onze tuin). The second clause, hij ruikt heerlijk, is a simple statement with the subject pronoun (hij), verb (ruikt) and adjective (heerlijk), again following the verb-second rule common in Dutch main clauses.