Breakdown of Ik hoor de vuilniswagen vroeg in de ochtend.
Questions & Answers about Ik hoor de vuilniswagen vroeg in de ochtend.
Dutch is a V2‐language. In main clauses, the finite verb always occupies the second “slot.” Here the subject Ik is first, hoor (the finite verb) is second, and the rest follows:
- Ik
- hoor
- de vuilniswagen vroeg in de ochtend.
For parts of the day (morning/afternoon/evening), Dutch uses in + definite article:
- in de ochtend (in the morning)
- in de middag (in the afternoon)
- in de avond (in the evening)
You cannot say in ochtend without the article, nor op de ochtend (that would be incorrect—op is used with days or dates, e.g. op maandag).
vroeg is an adverb meaning “early.” Here it modifies the time phrase, telling you that it’s not just “in the morning,” but “early in the morning.” You can also say:
- Vroeg in de ochtend hoor ik de vuilniswagen. (emphasis on time, at the start) Just remember the V2 rule: wherever you place the time phrase first, the verb still stays in slot two.
's ochtends is a set adverbial (short for des ochtends), meaning “in the mornings.”
- Ik hoor 's ochtends de vuilniswagen. (habitual: every morning)
If you want to put it in front: - 's Ochtends hoor ik de vuilniswagen.
Use 's ochtends for habitual routines; vroeg in de ochtend can be more specific or descriptive.
horen = “to hear” (passive perception; the sound reaches your ears).
luisteren (naar) = “to listen” (active, paying attention).
In this sentence you’re not actively listening for the truck—you just hear it.
Dutch has no separate progressive, so the simple present can be:
• Habitual (“I hear the garbage truck every early morning.”)
• Immediate (“Right now, early this morning, I hear the truck.”)
Context (additional words like altijd, nu, or past tense hoorde) will clarify whether it’s a routine or a one-off.