Te Inside a Separable Verb
In Dutch, when a separable verb is used in a te + infinitive construction, the word te splits the verb. For example, opbellen (to call) becomes op te bellen.
How It Works
The placement of te depends on whether a verb is separable or inseparable. Stress is the best way to tell them apart.
- Separable Verbs: If the stress is on the prefix (e.g., OPbellen, SCHOÓNmaken), the te is placed between the prefix and the root. In this case, it is written as three separate words: op te bellen, schoon te maken.
- Inseparable Verbs: If the stress is on the root (e.g., verKÓpen, beGRÍJpen), the te stays in front of the whole verb. This is written as two separate words: te verkopen, te begrijpen.
This pattern is required in constructions like om te, zonder te, and door te, as well as after verbs like hopen, beloven, or proberen.
Note that most modal verbs (kunnen, moeten, willen, mogen, zullen) and the verb gaan never take te. However, the verb hoeven (to need) is a major exception and always requires te (e.g., Je hoeft niet op te bellen).
Examples (4)
- Ik probeer hem morgen op te bellen.
I am trying to call him up tomorrow.
Word by Word: I try him tomorrow up to call.
The verb 'opbellen' is split by 'te' because it follows the verb 'proberen'.
- Het is belangrijk om op tijd aan te komen.
It is important to arrive on time.
Word by Word: It is important for on time at to come.
In an 'om...te' construction, the separable verb 'aankomen' is split into 'aan te komen'.
- Zij weigert de kamer schoon te maken.
She refuses to clean the room.
Word by Word: She refuses the room clean to make.
The separable verb 'schoonmaken' (to clean) becomes 'schoon te maken'.
- Vergeet niet de lichten uit te doen.
Don't forget to turn off the lights.
Word by Word: Forget not the lights out to do.
The verb 'uitdoen' (to turn off) is split by 'te' after the imperative 'vergeet niet'.
Common Mistakes
Placing 'te' before the entire separable verb (English word order).
Ik probeer hem te opbellen.Ik probeer hem op te bellen.In Dutch, 'te' must come between the prefix and the verb, not before the prefix.
Writing the 'te' construction as a single word.
Het is leuk om mee tebellen.Het is leuk om mee te bellen.Unlike past participles (meegespeeld), the 'te' infinitive is always written as three separate words.
Splitting an inseparable verb.
Ik probeer het te be grijpen.Ik probeer het te begrijpen.Verbs with unstressed prefixes like be-, ver-, and ont- are inseparable and should never be split by 'te'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand split infinitives, you first need to be comfortable with the basic 'te + infinitive' and 'om te' constructions. You also need to understand how Dutch verbs cluster at the end of a clause, as the split usually involves placing 'te' between an auxiliary verb and the main infinitive.
- te + InfinitiveTo + Infinitive
The split infinitive is a variation of the standard 'te + infinitive' construction, so learners must first understand how 'te' normally functions with a verb.
Level 3 - om te + InfinitiveIn Order to
Many split infinitives occur within 'om te' structures, which are the most common context for separating 'te' from the verb.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- Separable Verbs
This pattern is the specific way separable verbs behave when an infinitive marker is required.
Level 2 - Participles of Separable Verbs
A similar morphological process occurs with past participles, though the spelling rules differ.
Level 2 - Inseparable Verbs
Inseparable verbs are the opposite of separable verbs and do not allow 'te' to be placed inside.
Level 2 - hoeven + te + InfinitiveHoeven Construction
The verb 'hoeven' always requires 'te', making it a frequent trigger for this split pattern.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice Te Inside a Separable Verb in Bubblegum
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