Learn Hardcore Dutch: Ik moet de kraan goed dichtdraaien. - I need to turn off the tap properly.

dichtdraaien is a separable verb (a verb with a prefix). In dictionaries it appears as one word. When you use it with a modal like moet, it stays together in the infinitive. In a simple main clause without a modal you split it: Ik draai de kraan dicht.

Why does dichtdraaien appear at the end of the sentence?

In Dutch, after a modal verb such as moet, the main verb (in its infinitive form) moves to the end of the clause. That’s why dichtdraaien sits at the very end.

What role does goed play in this sentence?

goed is an adverb here. It modifies the verb dichtdraaien, indicating that you must turn the tap off properly or tightly.

Why is the article de used with kraan instead of het?

Dutch nouns are either common gender (take de) or neuter (take het). kraan is a common-gender noun, so it uses de.

What’s the difference between dichtdraaien and dichtdoen?

Both mean “to close.”

dichtdraaien specifically implies a twisting or turning action (e.g. a faucet, valve).
dichtdoen is more general (“to shut” or “to close” anything, like a door or lid).

Could I use a different modal verb instead of moet here?

Yes, but the meaning changes slightly:

moet = “have to,” obligation/necessity.
wil = “want to,” desire.
zal = “will,” promise or future tense.
So if you mean “I have to,” moet is the correct choice.

How do you pronounce kraan, and is there any tricky sound?

kraan is pronounced /kraːn/. The aa is a long vowel (like the “a” in English “father”), held roughly twice as long as a short a.