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Questions & Answers about Ik bel hem vanavond op.
Why is the verb opbellen split into bel and op in this sentence?
In Dutch, separable verbs like opbellen split in main clauses: the prefix (op) goes to the end of the clause and the finite verb (bel) occupies the second position after the subject.
What’s the difference between bellen and opbellen?
- bellen simply means to phone someone.
- opbellen literally call up, emphasizing that you’re initiating a call. In everyday speech they’re often interchangeable, but opbellen highlights the complete action of ringing someone.
Why is the object pronoun hem used here instead of hij?
Because hem is the accusative (object) form of hij (“he”). When someone is the direct object of an action, you use hem rather than the subject form hij.
Why does hem appear before op and not after it?
In main clauses with separable verbs, the particle (op) moves to the very end. All other elements (objects, adverbs) must come between the finite verb and the particle.
Where should the adverb vanavond go, and can I move it?
Time adverbs like vanavond usually sit in the mid-field, right after the finite verb but before the separable prefix. You can also start the sentence with vanavond for emphasis: Vanavond bel ik hem op.
How do you turn this sentence into a question?
Invert the finite verb and the subject: Bel ik hem vanavond op?
What happens to opbellen in a subordinate clause?
In subordinate clauses the separable prefix stays attached to the verb. So you get: Ik weet dat ik hem vanavond opbel.