Hij reageert passief op de kritiek.

He responds passively to the criticism.

Breakdown of Hij reageert passief op de kritiek.

• hij: he
• de kritiek: the criticism
• passief: passive
• reageren op: to respond to

Questions & Answers about Hij reageert passief op de kritiek.

What is the grammatical function of reageert in this sentence?

Reageert is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb reageren (“to react/respond”). In Dutch main clauses, the finite verb typically occupies the second position: first the subject (Hij), then the verb (reageert), followed by objects or modifiers.

Why do we use reageren op instead of just reageren or another preposition?

The verb reageren requires the preposition op when meaning “to react to” something. You always say reageren op iets (e.g. reageren op de kritiek, reageren op een vraag). No other preposition (zoals aan of naar) is used for this meaning.

What part of speech is passief here, and why doesn’t it get an –e ending?

Here passief functions as an adverb modifying reageert (“he reacts passively”). In Dutch, adjectives can serve as adverbs without taking an extra –e after a verb. If you put it before a noun (as an attributive adjective), you would add –e: zijn passieve houding.

Could I rephrase this sentence with a different word order or expression?

Yes. You might say:
• Hij reageert op de kritiek op een passieve manier.
• Hij reageert passief op de kritiek.
Dutch allows some flexibility, but remember the finite verb stays in the second slot.

Why is it de kritiek and not het kritiek?

Kritiek is a de-woord (common gender) noun in Dutch, so its definite article is de. Many abstract nouns (zoals liefde, vrijheid, kritiek) use de.

Is kritiek countable or uncountable in Dutch?

As “criticism” in general, kritiek is uncountable. You wouldn’t say twee kritieken unless referring to two distinct written reviews or critiques, which shifts the meaning.

How would you pronounce reageert?

Phonetically in IPA: /ʁaːˈɣeːrt/.
• The “r” can be a uvular [ʁ] or alveolar [r].
• The “g” is a voiced fricative [ɣ] or [ʁ].
• The double ee represents a long [eː].

Is there a nuance between passief and similar words like inactief or apathisch?

Yes:
• Passief highlights a lack of active engagement.
• Inactief means “inactive,” more broadly describing lack of activity.
• Apathisch implies indifference or emotional disengagement.
Use passief reageren when you want to stress he doesn’t take initiative in responding.