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Questions & Answers about De lamp gaat automatisch aan.
What does gaat mean here?
Although gaat literally means goes, in this context it signals a change of state rather than movement. So De lamp gaat aan means The lamp turns on.
Why is aan at the end of the sentence?
Aan is the separable particle (prefix) of the expression gaan aan (literally go on, idiomatically turn on). In Dutch main clauses separable particles detach from the verb and move to the end of the sentence.
What part of speech is automatisch, and what does it modify?
Here automatisch functions as an adverb modifying the verb phrase gaat aan, describing how the lamp turns on (i.e. automatically). Dutch often uses the same form for adjectives and adverbs.
What is the difference between de lamp gaat aan and de lamp staat aan?
De lamp gaat aan (“the lamp turns on”) describes the action or process of switching on.
De lamp staat aan (“the lamp is on”) describes the resulting state of being lit.
Could I say De lamp wordt automatisch aangezet instead?
Yes. De lamp wordt automatisch aangezet (“The lamp is switched on automatically”) uses the passive voice with aanzetten. It’s correct but more formal and indirect than the idiomatic De lamp gaat automatisch aan.
How do I say this in the past tense?
Replace gaat with its past form ging:
De lamp ging automatisch aan = The lamp turned on automatically.
Why is the finite verb gaat in second position?
Dutch main clauses follow the V2 (verb-second) rule: the finite verb must occupy the second slot, usually right after the subject or another fronted element.
Could I put automatisch at the beginning for emphasis?
Yes. If you front automatisch, you still keep the finite verb second:
Automatisch gaat de lamp aan.
This word order is less neutral and used for emphasis or stylistic effect.
Why do we use aan and not op for a lamp?
With lights and electrical devices Dutch uses aan/uit as the standard opposites for on/off. Op/af are used in other contexts (for example, “de radio staat op zender 101”).
How is aan pronounced?
Aan is pronounced /aːn/ – the a is long (like the “a” in father), followed by an n.