Breakdown of Onlangs merkte ik opeens dat de klok andersom hing.
Questions & Answers about Onlangs merkte ik opeens dat de klok andersom hing.
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.
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.