Learn Hardcore Dutch: We hebben snel kunnen overstappen dankzij de behulpzame conducteur. - We were able to transfer quickly thanks to the helpful conductor.

Because when a modal verb (kunnen) appears in a perfect tense, Dutch always takes hebben as the auxiliary—even though overstappen on its own would normally use zijn.

Why do we have a double infinitive kunnen overstappen at the end instead of past participles like gekunnen or overgestapt?

In perfect constructions with a modal plus main verb, you don’t use the modal’s participle (gekunnen) or the main verb’s participle alone. Instead both verbs stay in the infinitive form at the end: hebben + kunnen overstappen.

Why is snel placed before kunnen overstappen?

Snel is an adverb modifying the verb phrase kunnen overstappen. In Dutch main clauses adverbs typically come before the final verb cluster: subject – auxiliaries – adverb – double infinitive.

What exactly does overstappen mean?

Overstappen is a separable, intransitive verb meaning “to change” (for example, trains or buses). Here it means to change trains.

What does dankzij mean, and how is it different from door?

Dankzij means thanks to and carries a positive nuance—you use it for beneficial results. Door is more neutral and can introduce causes for both good and bad outcomes.

Why is it de behulpzame conducteur, and why does behulpzame have an -e ending?

Conducteur is a de-word (common gender). In Dutch, adjectives placed before a definite noun (de or het) take an -e ending: de behulpzame conducteur.

Can I place dankzij de behulpzame conducteur at the beginning of the sentence?

Yes. You can say Dankzij de behulpzame conducteur hebben we snel kunnen overstappen. Note the inversion: the finite verb (hebben) follows the fronted adverbial phrase.