Wij kunnen eventueel later vertrekken.

We can leave later if necessary.

Breakdown of Wij kunnen eventueel later vertrekken.

• wij: we
• later: later
• kunnen: can
• vertrekken: to leave
• eventueel: if necessary

Questions & Answers about Wij kunnen eventueel later vertrekken.

Does eventueel mean the same as English eventually?

No. Eventueel means possibly, if necessary, or optionally. For eventually, Dutch uses uiteindelijk or ten slotte. So this sentence is making a tentative suggestion, not describing a final outcome.

Why Wij and not We?

Wij is the stressed or more formal form, used for emphasis or contrast. We is the default, unstressed form in everyday speech and writing. Both are correct here; We sounds more neutral.

Why is vertrekken at the end?

Dutch main clauses are verb-second: the finite verb (kunnen) is in second position, and the infinitive (vertrekken) goes to the end. Pattern: Subject + finite verb + adverbials + infinitive. So Wij kunnen … vertrekken is normal; Wij kunnen vertrekken later sounds off.

Where should eventueel go relative to later?

Default and most natural is We/Wij kunnen eventueel later vertrekken. Eventueel typically comes before the time phrase it modifies. We kunnen later eventueel vertrekken is possible but can sound like an afterthought.

Does kunnen here mean permission or possibility?

It expresses possibility/ability. For permission, use mogen: We mogen later vertrekken means we are allowed to leave later. With suggestions, kunnen is common because it politely offers an option.

How do I say this more tentatively, like English we could leave later?

Use zouden kunnen: We zouden (eventueel) later kunnen vertrekken. This adds a conditional feel and softens the suggestion. Eventueel becomes optional because zouden already hedges.

How do I make it a direct question?

Invert subject and finite verb: Kunnen we eventueel later vertrekken? If you want emphasis on the subject, use Kunnen wij … ?

Can I drop the subject and just say Kunnen eventueel later vertrekken?

No. Dutch requires an explicit subject in finite clauses. For a we-suggestion without a subject pronoun, use the inclusive imperative: Laten we (eventueel) later vertrekken.

Is vertrekken the only option for leave? What about weggaan?

Both exist, with nuance:

• Vertrekken: depart; common for trips, schedules, transport, or formal contexts.
• Weggaan: go away/leave in a casual, general sense. Here, We kunnen eventueel later weggaan is fine, but vertrekken suggests a planned or travel-related departure.

What is the difference between later and laat?

• Later: at a time after another reference point (than now/than planned).
• Laat: late in the day or behind schedule. So later vertrekken = leave at a later time; laat vertrekken = leave late.

How is kunnen conjugated?

• ik: kan
• jij/je: kan or kunt (after the subject, jij/je kunt; in inversion, kun jij/je)
• u: kunt (also kan in very formal usage)
• hij/zij/het: kan
• wij/jullie/zij: kunnen

Can I front an adverb like Eventueel or Later?

Yes, maintain verb-second:

• Eventueel kunnen we later vertrekken.
• Later kunnen we eventueel vertrekken. This changes emphasis but not the core meaning.

Should there be te before vertrekken?

No. Dutch modals (kunnen, mogen, moeten, willen, zullen) take a bare infinitive: kunnen vertrekken, not kunnen te vertrekken.

Any pronunciation tips for tricky words here?

• Wij: vowel like English eye.
• eventueel: roughly ay-ven-tuu-AYL, stress on the last syllable.
• vertrekken: fer-TREK-ken; tapped r; double k keeps the preceding vowel short.
• later: LAH-ter (long a).