Learn Hardcore Dutch: Anna laat de prullenbak buiten staan tot de vuilniswagen komt. - Anna leaves the trash can outside until the garbage truck comes.

The Dutch verb laten followed by another verb (here staan) means “to leave something in a certain state” or “to let something remain.” So Anna laat de prullenbak buiten staan literally means Anna leaves the trash can outside.

Why is buiten placed between the object de prullenbak and the infinitive staan, rather than after staan or at the start of the sentence?

In a Dutch main clause the finite verb (here laat) is in second position, then you can place objects and adverbials before any non-finite verbs. Adverbs of place like buiten usually sit in the “midfield” between the object (de prullenbak) and the infinitive (staan). Moving buiten elsewhere can change emphasis or sound less natural.

What part of speech is buiten in Anna laat de prullenbak buiten staan?

Here buiten is an adverb of place, not a preposition. It stands alone (no following noun) and tells you where the bin is left.

Why does the verb move to the end in tot de vuilniswagen komt?

Tot is a subordinating conjunction meaning “until.” In subordinate clauses the finite verb goes to the clause-final position. That’s why komt appears at the end: tot de vuilniswagen komt = until the garbage truck comes.

What is the difference between tot and totdat, and do you have to use dat after tot?

Both mean “until.” Adding dat (totdat) is a bit more formal or emphatic. In everyday speech people usually just say tot. Including dat (tot dat de vuilniswagen komt) is grammatically correct but optional.

Why is the present tense komt used here for a future event?

Dutch often uses the present tense for scheduled or certain future events—just like English can say “I leave tomorrow.” So tot de vuilniswagen komt naturally uses komt even though it refers to what will happen later.

What’s the difference between prullenbak and vuilnisbak?

Prullenbak literally means “litter bin” and often refers to a small indoor bin for scraps or paper. Vuilnisbak means “garbage bin” and usually denotes a larger container for household waste. The terms overlap, but context (size and location) guides the choice.

What is a vuilniswagen, and how is it different from a vuilnisauto?

A vuilniswagen is the standard Dutch word for a garbage truck (literally “rubbish wagon”). Vuilnisauto (literally “rubbish car”) exists but is less common or more colloquial. In practice, you’ll hear vuilniswagen for the big collection vehicle.