Ik merk op dat de kat naast de stoel ligt.

I notice that the cat is lying next to the chair.

Breakdown of Ik merk op dat de kat naast de stoel ligt.

• ik: I
• de kat: the cat
• dat: that
• de stoel: the chair
• naast: next to
• liggen: to lie
• opmerken: to notice

Questions & Answers about Ik merk op dat de kat naast de stoel ligt.

What kind of verb is opmerken and why do we split it as merk op?

Opmerken is a separable verb: a prefix (op) plus a base verb (merken). In Dutch main clauses the prefix moves to the end of the clause. So instead of “Ik opmerk,” you say Ik merk op (“I notice”).

Why is the verb ligt placed at the very end of the sentence?

Because the clause “dat de kat naast de stoel ligt” is a subordinate clause introduced by dat. In Dutch subordinate clauses (also called dependent clauses), the finite verb goes to the end.

What function does dat serve here?

Dat is a conjunction meaning “that.” It links the main clause (“Ik merk op”) with the subordinate clause (“de kat naast de stoel ligt”) and triggers verb-final word order in that subordinate clause.

Why do we use the definite article de before kat and stoel?

In Dutch, singular nouns of the common gender (formerly masculine/feminine) take de. Both kat and stoel are common-gender nouns, so each gets de. Only neuter nouns (e.g. huis, kind) take het.

What does the preposition naast mean and how is it used with articles?

Naast means “next to” or “beside.” It’s followed by the appropriate article and noun:

• naast de stoel (“next to the chair”)
• naast het huis (“next to the house”)

Why is liggen used here instead of staan or zitten?

Dutch distinguishes position verbs by posture:

• liggen = lying/horizontal position
• staan = standing/vertical position
• zitten = sitting position
  Since the cat is lying down, you use liggen (legt → ligt in 3rd-person singular).

Could I drop the op and just say “Ik merk dat de kat naast de stoel ligt”?

Yes. Merk alone also means “to notice,” so “Ik merk dat …” is perfectly natural and slightly less formal. Using opmerken (split as merk op) simply emphasizes the act of noticing.

How does Dutch word order compare to English in this example?

English: subject-verb-object, with the verb staying in place (“I notice that the cat is lying…”).
Dutch:

1. Main clauses follow the V2 rule (finite verb in 2nd position): Ik (1) merk (2) op (end) …
2. Subordinate clauses (introduced by dat) put the finite verb at the very end: dat de kat naast de stoel ligt.