Breakdown of Zonder samenwerking bereiken we niets.
wij
we
zonder
without
niets
nothing
bereiken
to achieve
de samenwerking
the cooperation
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Questions & Answers about Zonder samenwerking bereiken we niets.
What does zonder mean, and how is it used here?
Zonder is a preposition meaning without. It’s followed directly by a noun or noun phrase. In general statements about absence you usually omit the article, so you say zonder suiker (without sugar), zonder samenwerking (without cooperation).
Why is there no article before samenwerking?
When talking about an abstract or general concept like cooperation, Dutch often drops the article. If you refer to a specific cooperation you could say zonder de samenwerking (without the [particular] cooperation) or zonder een samenwerking (without a cooperation [with someone]).
Why does the finite verb bereiken come before the subject we?
Dutch main clauses follow the V2 (verb-second) rule: the finite verb must occupy the second position. Here the first element is the prepositional phrase zonder samenwerking, so bereiken comes next, then we.
What does bereiken mean in English, and is it a separable verb?
Bereiken means to achieve, to reach, or to attain. It is not a separable verb—its prefix be- always stays attached, even in main clauses.
What kind of word is niets, and why not “niet iets”?
Niets is an indefinite pronoun meaning nothing. You never split it into “niet iets.” If you want more emphasis, you can say helemaal niets (absolutely nothing) or use the informal niks.
Can I say We bereiken niets zonder samenwerking instead?
Yes. In a neutral S-V-O order you can say We bereiken niets zonder samenwerking. When you start with zonder samenwerking, however, you normally apply V2 and invert to Zonder samenwerking bereiken we niets.
Are there synonyms for samenwerking in this context?
Common alternatives include coöperatie (more formal), teamwork (informal anglicism), or collaboratie (in certain contexts). Samenwerking remains the standard word for cooperation or collaboration.