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Wij vertrekken vroeg, namelijk om zes uur.

Wij vertrekken vroeg, namelijk om zes uur.
We leave early, namely at six o'clock.

Breakdown of Wij vertrekken vroeg, namelijk om zes uur.

wij
we
vroeg
early
vertrekken
to leave
het uur
the hour
om
at
zes
six
namelijk
namely
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Questions & Answers about Wij vertrekken vroeg, namelijk om zes uur.

What does namelijk do in this sentence?
It introduces a clarification or specification of what was just said: the exact time. In English you could render it as specifically, that is, or sometimes leave it untranslated. It is not a conjunction like because; it’s an explanatory particle that adds an aside.
Do I need the comma before namelijk?
Yes, a comma is standard because namelijk introduces a parenthetical explanation. You could also drop namelijk and use a colon: Wij vertrekken vroeg: om zes uur.
Can I leave out namelijk altogether?
Yes. Wij vertrekken om zes uur is perfectly fine. If you keep vroeg, you might write Wij vertrekken vroeg, om zes uur, but many speakers drop vroeg once the exact time is given.
Why is it wij and not we?
Wij is the emphatic form (stressed), used for contrast or focus. In neutral speech, we is more common: We vertrekken vroeg, namelijk om zes uur.
Why the present tense for a future action?
Dutch often uses the present for scheduled or arranged future events. Alternatives are We zullen vroeg vertrekken or We gaan vroeg vertrekken, but with a fixed time, the simple present is very natural.
Why is the verb second in Wij vertrekken vroeg?
Dutch main clauses follow the verb-second (V2) rule: the finite verb sits in second position. If you front a time phrase, you invert: Om zes uur vertrekken wij (vroeg).
Where does vroeg go, and is it necessary if I give a time?
Vroeg typically sits in the middle field: Wij vertrekken vroeg. When you add a precise time, vroeg becomes somewhat redundant, so most speakers choose either the adverb or the clock time. Keeping both is possible if you want to stress earliness: We vertrekken vroeg, om zes uur.
What’s the difference between vroeg, eerder, and vroeger?
  • vroeg = early (absolute): Ik sta vroeg op.
  • eerder = earlier (comparative): We vertrekken eerder dan gisteren.
  • vroeger = earlier/formerly (in the past): Vroeger vertrok ik altijd laat.
Why om with a clock time?
Dutch uses om before clock times: om zes uur. For approximations, use rond/omstreeks zes uur or tegen zes uur; for dates or days, use op: op maandag, op 5 juni.
How do I specify AM or PM?

Use parts of the day or the 24‑hour clock:

  • om zes uur ’s ochtends (6 a.m.)
  • om zes uur ’s avonds (6 p.m.)
  • om 06.00 uur / om 18.00 uur
Why is it zes uur and not zes uren?
With clock times, Dutch uses the singular: zes uur = six o’clock. For durations, both occur, with the bare form most common: zes uur (lang); zes uren is possible but more formal/literary.
Is vertrekken a separable verb?
No, vertrekken is not separable. Its past participle is vertrokken: We zijn om zes uur vertrokken. A common, more colloquial alternative is weggaan: We gaan vroeg weg.
How does vertrekken differ from weggaan or afreizen?
  • vertrekken: to depart (often for travel, from a point at a set time).
  • weggaan: to go away/leave (more general, informal).
  • afreizen: to set off/travel to (more formal/literary).
Is English namely always a good translation of namelijk?
Not always. English namely can sound stiff, whereas Dutch namelijk is common in speech. Depending on context, translate it as specifically/that is/you see, or omit it if English flows better.
Can I put namelijk elsewhere?

Yes, but placement changes the feel. Common are:

  • We vertrekken vroeg, namelijk om zes uur. (adds a specification)
  • We vertrekken namelijk vroeg. (adds an explanatory aside; no specific time necessarily follows) Putting namelijk at the very start to mean “namely” is unusual.
How do I say “around” or “exactly” six?
  • Around: rond zes uur, omstreeks zes uur, tegen zes uur (colloq. tegen zessen).
  • Exactly: precies om zes uur, stipt om zes uur.
Any pronunciation tips for this sentence?
  • Wij [ʋɛi] (Dutch [ʋ], not an English w).
  • vertrekken [vərˈtrɛkə(n)].
  • vroeg [vruːx] (final g is a velar fricative).
  • namelijk [ˈnaːmə.lək].
  • zes [zɛs], uur [yːr] (front rounded vowel [y]).
Is writing 6u acceptable?
In the Netherlands, write 6 uur or 06.00 uur. In Belgium, 6 u or 6u is common in informal and even semi‑formal contexts. When in doubt, om 6 uur is safe everywhere.