Learn Hardcore Dutch: Kunt u verklaren waarom de les is verplaatst? - Could you explain why the lesson has been moved?

Because you’re addressing someone politely with u. In standard Netherlands Dutch, the correct form is kunt u (polite 2nd person of kunnen). Kan u is common in Belgian Dutch (Flemish). Informal singular is kun je / kun jij.

Why does the sentence start with Kunt?

Dutch yes/no questions use verb–subject inversion (V1): the finite verb comes first. Statement: U kunt … Question: Kunt u …?

Why is it … waarom de les is verplaatst with the verbs at the end?

Waarom … here introduces an indirect question (a subordinate clause). In subordinate clauses, Dutch sends the verbs to the end: … waarom [subject] [auxiliary + participle].

Could I also say … waarom de les verplaatst is?

Yes. In subordinate clauses with the perfect, both orders are accepted: is verplaatst and verplaatst is. The choice varies by region and style; both are standard.

Why is verplaatst and not wordt verplaatst?

is verplaatst = perfect passive (has been moved; result relevant now)
wordt verplaatst = present passive (is being moved / is to be moved)
Simple past passive: werd verplaatst (was moved)

Why not heeft verplaatst?

That’s the active voice: De docent heeft de les verplaatst. In the passive, you use zijn: De les is verplaatst.

Where is the usual ge- in the participle?

Verbs with the prefix ver- don’t take an extra ge- in the participle. So it’s verplaatst, not geverplaatst.

Is verklaren the best verb here? What about uitleggen?

verklaren = explain/clarify in a formal or official sense; also “to declare.”
uitleggen = everyday “to explain (to someone).” With a person, add an indirect object: Kunt u mij uitleggen waarom …
Both are correct; uitleggen is more common in daily conversation.

Are there other verbs for “reschedule” besides verplaatsen?

Yes:

verzetten = reschedule, often to another time
verschuiven = move/shift in time
All are natural with events like lessons.

Why de les and not het les?

Because les is a common‑gender noun (a de‑word). Plural: lessen.

Do I need a comma before waarom?

No. Modern Dutch normally omits the comma before an object clause with waarom. You may add one for readability in long sentences, but it isn’t required here.

How can I make this request more polite?

Use the conditional: Zou u kunnen uitleggen/verklaren waarom … ?
Add alstublieft: Kunt u alstublieft … ?
Ask willingness: Wilt u uitleggen waarom … ?

What’s the difference between the direct question and this indirect question?

Direct: Waarom is de les verplaatst? (verb after waarom)
Indirect/embedded: Kunt u verklaren waarom de les is/verplaatst is? (verbs at the end)
Use the indirect form to sound less blunt or to embed the question.

Is Kan u wrong?

Netherlands Dutch: prefer Kunt u.
Belgian Dutch (Flemish): Kan u is common and acceptable there.
Choose based on your target variety.

Should u be capitalized?

Normally it’s lowercase u. In very formal letters you may see U as a courtesy capitalization, but it’s optional and increasingly rare.

Any pronunciation tips for tricky parts?

u (the pronoun) has a long “uu” sound; kunt has a short “u.”
verklaren: stress on klaa (ver‑klaa‑ren).
verplaatst: long aa and final -st cluster (ver‑plaatst).

Can I use Waarom de les is verplaatst? on its own as a question?

Not in standard direct questions. Use Waarom is de les verplaatst? On its own, Waarom de les is verplaatst is a clause that needs a main verb: Ik weet waarom de les is verplaatst.

Can I say waarom dat de les is verplaatst?

Not in standard Dutch from the Netherlands. Some regional varieties (especially in Flanders) use waarom dat, but standard usage is just waarom.

Why does verplaatst end in -t?

Verplaatsen is a weak verb whose stem ends in a voiceless consonant; by the ’t kofschip rule, the participle ends in -t: verplaatst. The simple past is verplaatste(n).