Learn Hardcore Dutch: Onlangs merkte ik opeens dat de klok andersom hing. - Recently I suddenly noticed that the clock was hanging the other way around.

Dutch main clauses follow the V2 rule: the finite verb comes in the second position. If you front an element like the time adverb Onlangs (“recently”), the verb must still be second:

Onlangs merkte ik …
Ik merkte onlangs … Both are correct; the first puts extra emphasis on the time frame.

Why does hing come at the end of the clause?

Because dat introduces a subordinate (embedded) clause, and in Dutch all finite verbs go to the end of such clauses. Compare:

Main clause: De klok hing andersom.
Subclause: … dat de klok andersom hing.

What is dat doing here? Is it a pronoun?

Here dat is a subordinating conjunction (a complementizer) meaning “that,” introducing the content of what was noticed. It is not a demonstrative pronoun. You cannot replace it with die in this use.

Why is there no comma before dat?

Standard Dutch does not require (and typically avoids) a comma before dat that introduces a content clause. A comma may sometimes be used in long, complex sentences for readability, but it’s not needed here.

What exactly does andersom mean, and are there synonyms?

Andersom means “the other way around / reversed.” For objects, it can mean upside down, back to front, or mirrored—context decides.

Near-synonyms: omgekeerd (reversed; slightly more formal), verkeerd om (the wrong way around; two words), op z’n kop (literally “on its head,” i.e., upside down specifically). In this sentence, it most naturally means the clock was hanging the wrong way around.

Is andersom written as one word?

Yes: andersom is one word. Don’t write it as two words or with a hyphen.

What does opeens modify here?

In the given sentence it modifies the noticing: “I suddenly noticed…” If you want the clock’s change to be sudden, move it:

Sudden noticing (current): Onlangs merkte ik opeens dat …
Sudden hanging: Ik merkte dat de klok opeens andersom hing.

Can I use other words instead of opeens?

Yes. Common options:

ineens: very common and neutral (NL).
plotseling: a bit more formal/literary.
plots: more common in Belgian Dutch. All mean “suddenly,” with minor register/regional differences.

Why use simple past merkte and not present perfect heb gemerkt?

Both are correct.

Simple past (merkte) is common in written narrative and can sound a bit more formal/story-like.
Present perfect (Ik heb … gemerkt) is very common in speech for recent, completed events. For example: Ik heb laatst ineens gemerkt dat de klok andersom hing.

How is merken conjugated, and why -te?

Merken is a regular (weak) verb. Past stem ends in a voiceless consonant (k), so it takes -te (the “’t kofschip” rule):

ik merk – ik merkte – ik heb gemerkt.

How is hangen conjugated?

It’s irregular (strong):

hangen – hing – heeft gehangen. Note the vowel change a → i in the past. The perfect uses hebben: De klok heeft jarenlang scheef gehangen.

What’s the difference between hangen and ophangen?

hangen is intransitive: describes the state/position. De klok hing andersom.
ophangen is transitive: you hang something up. Ik hing de klok op. / Ik heb de klok opgehangen.

Why de klok and not het klok?

Klok is a common-gender noun, so it takes de: de klok. Compare: het horloge (“watch,” neuter) and de wandklok (“wall clock”).

Is the order Onlangs merkte ik opeens okay with two adverbs?

Yes. Dutch prefers the rough order Time–Manner–Place. Here:

Onlangs (time) before opeens (manner) is natural: Onlangs merkte ik opeens … Avoid fronting both at once as a single cluster (e.g., “Onlangs opeens merkte ik …”); it sounds clunky.

Could I say verkeerd om instead of andersom?

Yes: verkeerd om (two words) also means “the wrong way around” and would fit: … dat de klok verkeerd om hing. It slightly emphasizes the “wrongness,” while andersom is more neutral. Don’t write “verkeerdom.”

Can the subject ik be dropped?

No. Dutch is not a pro‑drop language; you must include the subject pronoun: merkte ik, not just merkte.

Can I replace dat with omdat or want?

No. Dat introduces the thing you noticed. Omdat (“because”) and want (“for/because,” coordinating) express reasons and would change the meaning.