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Questions & Answers about Ik laad mijn telefoon op.
Why is the verb split into laad and op in Ik laad mijn telefoon op?
Opladen is a separable verb in Dutch. In a main clause, you conjugate the verb stem (laad) in second position and move the separable prefix (op) to the end of the clause.
Why is op at the end of the sentence instead of directly before telefoon?
In Dutch main clauses, separable prefixes always go to the final position. That’s why you say Ik laad mijn telefoon op, not Ik laad op mijn telefoon.
How would this sentence look in a subordinate clause?
The separable prefix attaches to the verb and stays in one piece: … dat ik mijn telefoon oplaad.
When forming a question, does the prefix op still stay at the end?
Yes. You invert subject and verb, but op remains at the end: Laad je je telefoon op?
Can I replace mijn telefoon with a pronoun?
Yes. Telefoon is a de-word, so you use hem: Ik laad hem op.
Why doesn’t Dutch use a continuous form like I am charging my phone?
Dutch usually uses the simple present for ongoing actions. If you want to emphasize the continuous aspect you can say Ik ben mijn telefoon aan het opladen.
What is the difference between opladen and herladen?
Opladen means to charge a battery or device, while herladen means to reload (e.g. a gun or a web page). For charging your phone you always use opladen.
Why is mijn used instead of de telefoon?
You use mijn to specify possession. If context makes it clear which phone you mean you could also say Ik laad de telefoon op, but mijn indicates it’s your own.