Breakdown of Wij willen graag met de nieuwe docent kennismaken voordat de lessen beginnen.
wij
we
nieuw
new
willen
to want
voordat
before
graag
gladly
beginnen
to begin
de docent
the teacher
de les
the lesson
kennismaken met
to get acquainted with
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Questions & Answers about Wij willen graag met de nieuwe docent kennismaken voordat de lessen beginnen.
Why is graag placed after willen in wij willen graag instead of before it?
In Dutch, the adverb graag (meaning “gladly” or “with pleasure”) typically follows the finite verb. So the word order is subject – finite verb – adverb (wij – willen – graag). This emphasizes that you “would like” to do something.
What exactly is kennismaken, and why does it split across the sentence?
Kennismaken is a separable verb meaning “to get acquainted” or “make someone’s acquaintance.” In main clauses, the prefix kennis detaches and moves to the end, so you say met de nieuwe docent kennismaken rather than met de nieuwe docent kennismiskennen.
Why do we use met before de nieuwe docent?
The verb kennismaken always takes the preposition met (to meet/ get acquainted with). So kennismaken met iemand = “to meet someone.”
Why does voordat push beginnen to the end of its clause?
Voordat is a subordinating conjunction (“before” introducing a clause). In Dutch subordinate clauses, the finite verb moves to the final position. Hence voordat de lessen beginnen.
Could we use voor instead of voordat here?
No. Voor plus a noun (e.g. voor de les) means “in front of” or “before [something]” but cannot introduce a clause. Voordat is specifically for “before” + clause (with its own verb).
What is the literal translation of kennis maken?
Literally it’s “to make knowledge”, but idiomatically it means “to get to know someone” or “to make someone’s acquaintance.”
Why is lessen in plural (not singular les)?
Because lessen refers to the series of lessons or classes that will begin in the future, not just one. It’s natural to use the plural when talking about a course or multiple sessions.
Can we drop wij and just say Willen graag met de nieuwe docent kennismaken?
No, you cannot drop wij in standard Dutch. The subject pronoun is required before the finite verb. Omitting it makes the sentence ungrammatical. In very casual speech you might hear Willen graag ...?, but that’s nonstandard.