Learn Hardcore Dutch: Hij spreekt zacht zodat het kind kan slapen. - He speaks softly so that the child can sleep.

Dutch follows a verb-second (V2) word order in main clauses: the finite verb (spreekt) occupies the second position (after the subject Hij). Manner adverbs like zacht usually come directly after the verb, so you get Hij spreekt zacht, not Hij zacht spreekt.

What is the function of zacht here—adjective or adverb?

In this sentence, zacht acts as an adverb, describing how he speaks. Many Dutch adjectives can be used unchanged as adverbs to modify verbs without any special ending.

What does zodat mean and what kind of word is it?

zodat is a subordinating conjunction meaning “so that” or “in order that.” It introduces a subordinate clause expressing purpose or result—in this case, why he speaks softly.

Why does kan appear at the end of the clause het kind kan slapen?

In subordinate clauses introduced by a subordinating conjunction like zodat, the finite verb moves to the end. That’s why you see het kind kan slapen instead of kan het kind slapen.

Is a comma required before zodat in this sentence?

A comma before zodat is optional in Dutch. In shorter sentences it’s often omitted. Both
Hij spreekt zacht zodat het kind kan slapen
and
Hij spreekt zacht, zodat het kind kan slapen
are correct.

Why is the article het necessary before kind?

Dutch nouns need a determiner (like a definite or indefinite article). Here het kind (“the child”) requires the definite article het. You can’t say kind kan slapen without it.

Could I say Hij praat zacht zodat het kind kan slapen instead?

Yes. praten (“to talk”) is more informal than spreken (“to speak”). Hij praat zacht conveys essentially the same meaning and is perfectly acceptable.

What is the difference between zacht and zachtjes?

Both mean “softly.” zachtjes is the diminutive form, often used colloquially to add extra gentleness (“very softly”). zacht is neutral and more common in standard usage as in this sentence.