Breakdown of Mijn bedoeling is om op vakantie te gaan, maar ik ben nogal besluiteloos over de bestemming.
ik
I
zijn
to be
maar
but
gaan
to go
om
for
mijn
my
over
about
op
on
de vakantie
the vacation
de bestemming
the destination
de bedoeling
the intention
nogal
rather
besluiteloos
indecisive
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Questions & Answers about Mijn bedoeling is om op vakantie te gaan, maar ik ben nogal besluiteloos over de bestemming.
What does bedoeling mean in this sentence?
Bedoeling translates to intention or purpose. In this context, it indicates that the speaker’s aim or plan is to go on vacation.
Why is the phrase constructed as "is om op vakantie te gaan" instead of another formulation?
The construction "om … te gaan" is a standard way in Dutch to introduce an infinitive clause that expresses purpose. Here, it clearly shows that the speaker's intention (their bedoeling) is to go on vacation.
What does nogal besluiteloos imply about the speaker’s decision regarding the destination?
The word nogal serves as an intensifier, and besluiteloos means indecisive. Together, they imply that the speaker is quite hesitant or uncertain about choosing a destination, even though the overall plan to travel is clear.
What role does the conjunction maar play in this sentence?
Maar means but in English. It is used here to contrast the two parts of the sentence: on one hand, the speaker has a clear intention to go on vacation; on the other hand, they express uncertainty about the destination.
Is op vakantie gaan a fixed expression in Dutch and how is it similar to English usage?
Yes, op vakantie gaan is a common Dutch expression that means to go on vacation. Just as in English where we use the preposition on ("on vacation"), Dutch uses op in this context, making it a typical and natural phrase in the language.
Could you explain the placement of the infinitive te gaan at the end of the clause?
In Dutch, it is customary for the infinitive, especially in an om … te construction, to be placed at the end of the clause. This word order is common in many Germanic languages and helps clearly separate the main clause from the purpose clause.