Als je achteruit loopt, moet je goed opletten.

If you walk backwards, you have to pay attention.

Breakdown of Als je achteruit loopt, moet je goed opletten.

• jij: you
• lopen: to walk
• moeten: must
• als: if
• goed: well
• opletten: to pay attention
• achteruit: backwards

Questions & Answers about Als je achteruit loopt, moet je goed opletten.

Why does the verb loopt appear at the end of the clause als je achteruit loopt?

Because als introduces a subordinate clause in Dutch. In dependent clauses the finite verb moves to the very end. The structure is:

• als (subordinating conjunction)
• je (subject)
• achteruit (adverb)
• loopt (verb)

This “verb‐last” order is mandatory in subordinate clauses.

Why does the main clause begin with moet and show inversion (moet je)?

When a subordinate clause comes first, the main clause must invert: the finite verb (moet) takes the first position, and the subject (je) follows. The rest of the sentence comes after:

1. moet (verb)
2. je (subject)
3. goed opletten (rest)

This inversion rule applies whenever you start a sentence with an adverbial or subordinate clause.

What does opletten mean, and how is it used?

Opletten is a separable verb meaning to pay attention or to watch out.

• In a simple main clause without a modal, you split it:
  • Ik let goed op.
• With a modal like moeten, the entire infinitive stays together at the end:
  • Je moet goed opletten.

Why isn’t the prefix op separated from opletten in this sentence (unlike je let goed op)?

Whenever you use a modal verb (moet, kan, mag, etc.), the infinitive—including its separable prefix—remains intact at the end of the clause. You only split prefixes in simple statements without a modal.

Why is there no dan after the comma?

In Dutch conditional sentences you can add dan (“Als je achteruit loopt, dan moet je goed opletten”), but it’s optional. Omitting dan is common in everyday speech for a more concise style.

What is the function of als here, and could wanneer or toen be used?

• Als means if when talking about present or future conditions.
• Wanneer is more formal and often used in questions (“Wanneer kom je?”).
• Toen refers to a specific moment in the past, so it doesn’t fit a general conditional.

For “if” in present/future, use als.

What does achteruit lopen literally mean, and why are they two separate words?

• Achteruit = backwards (adverb)
• Lopen = to walk

Since achteruit is just an adverb modifying the verb lopen, they remain two separate words. It’s not one separable verb but a combination of adverb + verb.

Why is goed placed before opletten, and could its position change?

Goed (well) typically appears immediately before the verb or verb cluster: goed opletten, goed luisteren, goed lezen. Moving goed elsewhere disrupts the standard word order and sounds unusual. Only in colloquial speech might you see unusual emphasis, but the normal placement is right before the verb.

Could we say Als je achteruit loopt, let je goed op instead of moet je goed opletten? What’s the difference?

• Als je achteruit loopt, let je goed op
  → describes what happens (you pay attention when you walk backwards).
• Als je achteruit loopt, moet je goed opletten
  → adds necessity or obligation (you must pay attention).

So let op is a neutral statement of fact, while moet opletten expresses that it’s required.