Grammar · Topic 2 · A1 · 7 questions · about 12 minutes

Word order: the verb in second place

Woordvolgorde: het werkwoord op plaats 2

In a Dutch main clause the conjugated verb is always in second place. By learning this rule, inversion and questions, you will break the habit of your own language's word order.

Explanation

Where is the verb?

A Dutch main clause has one very clear rule: the conjugated verb is always in second place. In some languages, such as Turkish, the verb usually comes at the very end; in English it normally follows the subject. In Dutch the verb takes the second position: Ik ga morgen naar Amsterdam.

This is called the 'V2 rule'. In the exam it is one of the topics that costs the most points, both in writing and in speaking, so make sure you really master it.

What can go in first place?

The first place does not always have to be the subject. A time (morgen), a place (in Utrecht) or another element can also start the sentence. In that case the verb still stays in second place and the subject moves to after the verb. This is called inversion (inversie).

Note: 'first place' is not a single word but a sentence element. In de zomer is three words, but it takes up only one place.

Ik werk vandaag thuis.I am working from home today.
Vandaag werk ik thuis.Today I am working from home.
In de zomer gaan wij naar Turkije.In the summer we are going to Turkey.

Sentence structureLocked

This part is for members.

Questions and sentences with two verbsLocked

This part is for members.

Time – manner – placeLocked

This part is for members.

A little trickLocked

This part is for members.

Watch out for habits from your own languageLocked

This part is for members.

Words you need

de zinsentence
het werkwoordverb
het onderwerpsubject
de vraagquestion
vandaagtoday
morgentomorrow
altijdalways
het weekendweekend

Example questions

1 / 7

Question 1

Welke zin is correct?

Which sentence is correct?

The sentence starts with morgen; the verb must still be in second place and the subject must come after the verb: Morgen ga ik…

Test yourself

1 / 7

0 of 7 answered · 0 correctYour answers are kept on this device.

Question 1

Welke zin is correct?

Choose an option

My answers

2Welke zin is correct?Locked
3Maak de zin af: In het weekend ___ .Locked
4Welke vraag is correct?Locked

6 more questions in this topic

Create an account and unlock every explanation and practice exam with Premium. The first 6 hours are free.

Try for free

Finished the topic?

Try what you learned in a reading or listening practice exam.

Go to practice exams