Wij wandelen vaak in de natuur.

We often walk in nature.

Breakdown of Wij wandelen vaak in de natuur.

• wij: we
• in: in
• vaak: often
• wandelen: to walk
• de natuur: the nature

Questions & Answers about Wij wandelen vaak in de natuur.

Why is the verb wandelen not conjugated as wandelt when the subject is wij?

In Dutch present‐tense conjugation, the verb form for wij, jullie, and zij (they) is identical to the infinitive. So you say wij wandelen, jullie wandelen, zij wandelen. Only ik (I), jij (you singular), and hij/zij/het (he/she/it) drop the ‑en and add either nothing (ik wandel) or ‑t (hij wandelt).

What is the difference between we and wij?

Both we and wij mean “we.”
• we is the unstressed, informal form used in everyday speech.
• wij is the stressed or emphatic form (for emphasis or contrast) and is also perfectly neutral if you want to be extra clear.

Why is vaak (often) placed after the verb rather than at the very beginning?

Dutch main clauses follow a V2 (verb‐second) word order. The finite verb must occupy the second position:

1. Subject (wij)
2. Finite verb (wandelen)
3. Adverb (vaak)
   If you start with vaak (adverb in first position), the verb still comes second and the subject moves to third: Vaak wandelen wij in de natuur. Both are grammatical, but the original sentence is a neutral S‐V‐Adv order.

Why do we use in de natuur and not op de natuur?

The preposition in is used when you are “inside” or “within” something. Natuur (nature) is perceived as an environment or space you are in, so you say in de natuur. Op would imply “on top of,” which doesn’t fit here.

Why is the definite article de used before natuur?

In Dutch, natuur is a common‐gender noun, and common‐gender nouns take de in the definite form. Also, when talking about nature in general (a known concept), you use the definite article: in de natuur = “in nature.” If you wanted to speak of a specific area, you might say in een natuurgebied (“in a nature reserve”).

What is the difference between wandelen and lopen?

• wandelen means “to go for a walk,” implying a leisurely, recreational stroll.
• lopen simply means “to walk” (the basic action of walking) and can also cover moving on foot over distances or in more functional contexts (e.g., Ik loop naar school = “I walk to school”).