Breakdown of Ik bel mijn verzekering om informatie te vragen.
ik
I
om
for
mijn
my
vragen
to ask
bellen
to call
de informatie
the information
de verzekering
the insurance
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Questions & Answers about Ik bel mijn verzekering om informatie te vragen.
What does the structure om informatie te vragen express?
It’s a purpose clause meaning “in order to ask for information.” Dutch uses om + te + infinitive to indicate purpose, similar to English “to + infinitive.”
Why is there om before informatie and te before vragen?
In Dutch, om introduces a purpose clause, and te marks the infinitive verb. Together om…te + infinitive is the standard pattern for “in order to ….”
Why isn’t there an article before informatie?
informatie is an uncountable (mass) noun in Dutch. Such nouns normally appear without an article when used in a general sense.
What does verzekering refer to here – the company or the policy?
In this context verzekering refers to the insurance company (your insurer). Dutch often uses verzekering in everyday speech to mean “my insurance provider.”
Why do we say Ik bel mijn verzekering instead of Ik bel naar mijn verzekering?
When calling a person or company, you can use bellen + direct object (no naar) or bellen naar + object. Both are correct, but using bellen + object is more direct and common.
Could I say Ik bel mijn verzekering voor informatie instead?
Yes. voor informatie is a shorter prepositional phrase expressing purpose. Both are used, though om … te is more explicit about “in order to.”
What is the difference between omdat and om … te?
omdat means “because” and introduces a reason clause. om … te means “in order to” and introduces a purpose clause.
Why is the purpose clause placed at the end of the sentence?
In Dutch main clauses, subordinate or purpose clauses (like om … te vragen) typically come after the main verb and its objects, at the end of the sentence.