Learn Hardcore Dutch: Ik moet het cadeau nog in cadeaupapier wikkelen en de rand netjes opvouwen. - I still have to wrap the gift in wrapping paper and neatly fold the edge.

In this context, nog means “still.” It indicates that the action of wrapping the gift hasn’t been done yet. You could translate nog in this sentence as “I still have to wrap the gift…”

Why is cadeaupapier written as one word rather than two?

Dutch often forms compound nouns by stringing words together without spaces. cadeaupapier = cadeau + papier. We write them as one word in Dutch, so “wrapping paper” becomes cadeaupapier.

Why does the verb wikkelen appear at the end of the sentence?

Because we’re using a modal verb (moet), the main verb (wikkelen) goes to the end of the clause in Dutch. The structure is:
Subject (Ik) + modal verb (moet) + object (het cadeau) + adverb (nog) + prepositional phrase (in cadeaupapier) + infinitive verbs (wikkelen).

Can you explain the phrase in cadeaupapier wikkelen and why in is used?

in cadeaupapier wikkelen literally means “to wrap in wrapping paper.” The preposition in indicates what you are wrapping with. In English, we often say “wrap something in paper,” and Dutch works the same way.

What’s the difference between opvouwen and vouwen? Why opvouwen here?

vouwen simply means “to fold.” opvouwen literally means “to fold up” or “to fold over,” often used for folding edges or flaps. Here you fold the edges (the borders of the paper) neatly against each other, so opvouwen is more precise.

Why is it de rand and not een rand?

de rand (“the edge”) refers to a specific, known edge—the edge of the wrapping paper on your gift. Using de implies the listener understands which edge you’re talking about.

What does netjes add to the meaning here?

netjes means “neatly” or “tidily.” It emphasizes that you should fold the edge in a clean, precise way, not messily.

Could I use inpakken instead of wikkelen?

Yes, you could say Ik moet het cadeau nog inpakken, which means “I still have to pack/wrap the gift.” inpakken is more general and covers wrapping, but wikkelen with cadeaupapier focuses on the act of wrapping in paper specifically.