Improving a Home Office Setup | Learn Dutch in English

About This Lesson

Use Improving a Home Office Setup to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Mijn schouders doen pijn nadat ik de hele dag aan deze kleine tafel heb gewerkt.

myne SKHOW-ders doon pyne NAH-daht ik duh HAY-luh dahkh ahn DAY-zuh KLY-nuh TAH-fuhl hep guh-WERKT. My shoulders hurt after working at this small table all day.

Je werkplek belast je lichaam, vooral omdat de monitor zo laag staat.

yuh WERK-playk buh-LAST yuh LEEK-hahm, voh-RAHL ohm-DAHT duh moh-nee-TOR zoh lahkh staht. Your setup is hard on your body, especially with the monitor so low.

Ik kan hem met boeken hoger zetten totdat ik een goede standaard koop.

ik kahn hem met BOO-ken HOH-gur ZET-uh(n) toht-DAHT ik uhn KHOH-duh STAHN-daart khohp. I could raise it with books until I buy a proper stand.

Dat zou je houding verbeteren.

daht zow yuh HOW-ding buh-VAY-tuh-run. That would help your posture.

Je moet ook controleren of de schittering van het raam het scherm beïnvloedt.

yuh moot ohk kon-troh-LAY-run of duh SKHIT-uh-ring vahn ut rahm ut skherm bay-IN-vloot. You should also check whether glare from the window is affecting the screen.

Door het zonlicht in de middag is het scherm moeilijk te lezen.

dohr ut ZON-likht in duh MID-dahkh is ut skherm MOY-luk tuh LAY-zun. The afternoon sunlight makes the screen difficult to read.

Probeer het bureau een beetje te verplaatsen of gebruik het gordijn tijdens gesprekken.

proh-BEER ut buh-ROH uhn BAY-chuh tuh vuh-PLAHT-sun of guh-BROYK ut khor-DYNE TY-dens guh-SPREK-ken. Try moving the desk slightly, or use the curtain during calls.

Als ik me comfortabeler voel, zou ik ook beter moeten kunnen werken.

als ik muh kom-for-TAH-buh-lur fool, zow ik ohk BAY-tur MOO-tun KUN-uh(n) WERK-uh(n). If I feel more comfortable, I should be able to work better too.

Kleine aanpassingen zijn belangrijk als je urenlang in dezelfde houding zit.

KLY-nuh AHN-pas-sing-un zyne buh-LAHNG-ryke als yuh OO-run-lahng in duh-ZELF-duh HOW-ding zit. Small adjustments matter when you repeat the same position for hours.

Ik kan deze indeling eerst proberen voordat ik iets koop.

ik kahn DAY-zuh IN-day-ling eerst proh-BAY-run vohr-DAHT ik eets khohp. I can try this layout first before buying anything.

Dat klinkt logisch, want de goedkoopste oplossing is misschien voldoende.

daht klownt LOH-khisk, vahnt duh KHOOT-kohp-stuh ohp-LOH-sing is muh-SKHEEN VOHL-DOON-duh. That makes sense, because the cheapest solution may be enough.

Word by Word

Mijn “Mijn” means “my” here and shows that the shoulders belong to the speaker. It is used before a noun, as in “Mijn schouders”; use the same pattern for referring to something connected to yourself.

schouders “Schouders” means “shoulders,” the body part that hurts in this dialogue. It is used with a possessive in “Mijn schouders”; use it when describing shoulder pain or position.

doen In “doen pijn,” “doen” is part of the Dutch expression used to say that something hurts. Together with “pijn,” it describes the speaker’s shoulders; use this pattern for a body part that causes pain.

pijn “Pijn” means “pain” in “Mijn schouders doen pijn.” It completes the expression “doen pijn,” which is used when saying that a body part hurts; use it in conversations about discomfort or injury.

nadat “Nadat” means “after” and introduces the activity that happened before the shoulders started hurting. In “nadat ik de hele dag aan deze kleine tafel heb gewerkt,” the verb group comes at the end; use “nadat” to connect two events in time.

ik “Ik” means “I” and refers to the speaker in “nadat ik de hele dag aan deze kleine tafel heb gewerkt.” Use it as the subject when talking about your own actions, feelings, or experiences.

de “De” means “the” in “de hele dag” and identifies a specific day as a time period. It is also used before “tafel” in the dialogue; use it before a noun when referring to something specific.

hele “Hele” means “whole” or “entire” in “de hele dag,” emphasizing the complete day. The pattern “de hele” plus a time expression is useful when saying that something lasts throughout a period.

dag “Dag” means “day” in the time expression “de hele dag.” Use it with a duration or time phrase when describing how long an activity continues.

aan “Aan” means “at” in “aan deze kleine tafel,” describing the place where the speaker worked. Use “aan” with a table or desk when saying that someone works or sits there.

deze “Deze” means “this” and points to the particular table being discussed. In “deze kleine tafel,” it comes before the adjective and noun; use it to identify something nearby or currently under discussion.

kleine “Kleine” means “small” and describes the table in “deze kleine tafel.” It comes before the noun; use the same position for describing the size of a specific object.

tafel “Tafel” means “table,” specifically the small table where the speaker has been working. Use it after a determiner or description, as in “deze kleine tafel,” when talking about a table or work surface.

heb “Heb” means “have” in “ik … heb gewerkt” and helps form the expression for having worked. It is used with “gewerkt” here; use “heb” with a completed activity when describing what you have done.

gewerkt “Gewerkt” means “worked” in “heb gewerkt,” referring to the completed work at the table. It is the form used with “heb” in this dialogue; use “heb gewerkt” to say that you have worked.

Je “Je” means “your” before “werkplek” and “you” before “moet” in the dialogue. Its exact meaning depends on its position: “Je werkplek” means “your work setup,” while “Je moet” addresses another person directly.

werkplek “Werkplek” means “workplace” or “work setup,” including the desk, monitor, and surrounding arrangement. Use it for the place where someone works, especially when discussing comfort or equipment.

belast “Belast” means “puts strain on” in “Je werkplek belast je lichaam.” It describes the effect of the setup on the body; use it when an activity, object, or situation places a physical or mental burden on something.

lichaam “Lichaam” means “body,” the thing affected by the work setup in “je lichaam.” Use it when discussing physical effects, comfort, or strain on a person.

vooral “Vooral” means “especially” and highlights the low monitor as the main problem. Use it before the part of a sentence that deserves particular attention, as in “vooral omdat …”.

omdat “Omdat” means “because” and introduces the reason in “omdat de monitor zo laag staat.” Use it to explain why something happens; the reason clause follows as a connected subordinate clause.

monitor “Monitor” means “monitor” or computer screen, the device that is positioned too low. Use it when discussing a computer work setup, screen height, or viewing comfort.

zo “Zo” means “so” or “that much” in “zo laag,” emphasizing the degree of the monitor’s low position. Use “zo” before an adjective when pointing out a noticeable degree.

laag “Laag” means “low” in “de monitor zo laag staat.” It describes the monitor’s position; use it with objects, surfaces, or locations that are not high.

staat “Staat” means “is positioned” in “de monitor … staat,” describing how the monitor is placed. Use this form with an object when talking about where it stands or is set up.

kan “Kan” means “can” in “Ik kan hem met boeken hoger zetten,” expressing the speaker’s possibility or ability to raise the monitor. It is followed by the action “hoger zetten”; use this pattern when proposing something you are able to do.

hem “Hem” means “it” here and refers back to the monitor. It is the object of “hoger zetten”; use an object pronoun like this when referring to a previously mentioned item.

met “Met” means “with” and identifies the means used to raise the monitor: “met boeken.” Use it before the object or tool that helps you perform an action.

boeken “Boeken” means “books,” which are used as supports under the monitor. Use it after “met” when books are the objects or materials used for an action.

hoger “Hoger” means “higher” in “hem … hoger zetten,” describing the desired new position of the monitor. Use it with “zetten” when placing something at a higher level.

zetten “Zetten” means “put” or “set” in “hoger zetten,” referring to placing the monitor in a higher position. After “kan,” it stays in this form; use “iets hoger zetten” for raising an object.

totdat “Totdat” means “until” and sets the endpoint of the temporary solution in “totdat ik een goede standaard koop.” Use it to connect an action with the point when another event happens.

een “Een” means “a” or “an” in “een goede standaard,” introducing one non-specific stand. Use it before a singular noun when the item has not been identified as a particular one.

goede “Goede” means “good” or “proper” and describes the stand in “een goede standaard.” It comes before the noun; use this pattern when evaluating whether an item is suitable.

standaard “Standaard” means “stand,” referring to a proper support for the monitor. Use it for a device or object that holds something at a chosen height or position.

koop “Koop” means “buy” in “totdat ik een goede standaard koop,” describing the speaker’s planned purchase. Use it with the item being purchased, as in “een standaard kopen” or the dialogue form “een goede standaard koop.”

Dat “Dat” means “that” and refers to the suggested action of raising the monitor. In “Dat zou je houding verbeteren,” it allows the speaker to comment on the previous idea; use it to refer back to an entire suggestion or situation.

zou “Zou” means “would” in “Dat zou je houding verbeteren,” presenting a possible result rather than a definite fact. It is used with the infinitive “verbeteren”; use this pattern for a predicted or conditional effect.

houding “Houding” means “posture” or “position,” especially the body position that could improve when the monitor is raised. Use it when discussing how someone sits, stands, or holds their body.

verbeteren “Verbeteren” means “improve” in “Dat zou je houding verbeteren.” It follows “zou” here and takes “je houding” as what becomes better; use it for improving a condition, skill, or arrangement.

moet “Moet” means “must” or “should” in “Je moet ook controleren,” giving direct advice. It is followed by the action “controleren”; use this pattern when telling someone what they need to check or do.

ook “Ook” means “also” or “too” and adds another recommendation to the advice about the monitor. Use it to connect an additional action or fact to something already mentioned.

controleren “Controleren” means “check” or “inspect” in “Je moet ook controleren of …” It is followed by an “of” clause here; use “controleren of” when checking whether a condition is true.

of “Of” means “whether” in “controleren of de schittering … beïnvloedt,” introducing the question being checked. Use “of” after verbs such as “controleren” when the answer can be yes or no.

schittering “Schittering” means “glare,” the bright reflection coming from the window. It is the subject of “beïnvloedt” in the dialogue; use it when talking about unwanted reflected light.

van “Van” means “from” in “de schittering van het raam,” identifying the window as the source of the glare. Use “van” to show where something comes from or what it is associated with.

het “Het” means “the” in “het raam” and “het scherm,” identifying specific objects in the work setup. Use it before these nouns when referring to the particular window or screen under discussion.

raam “Raam” means “window,” the source of the glare in “de schittering van het raam.” Use it when discussing light, ventilation, or an opening in a wall.

scherm “Scherm” means “screen,” referring to the display affected by the glare. Use it for a computer or other display when discussing readability or visibility.

beïnvloedt “Beïnvloedt” means “affects” in “de schittering … beïnvloedt,” describing the effect of glare on the screen. Use it when one factor changes or influences the condition of another.

Door “Door” means “because of” in “Door het zonlicht in de middag,” giving the cause of the screen being difficult to read. Use it before a noun to identify a cause, as in “door het zonlicht.”

zonlicht “Zonlicht” means “sunlight,” the cause of the reading problem in the dialogue. Use it when discussing natural light and its effect on a room, screen, or person.

in “In” means “in” in “in de middag,” placing the sunlight in a particular part of the day. Use it before a time period or location to say when or where something occurs.

middag “Middag” means “afternoon” in “in de middag.” Use it with a time preposition such as “in” when specifying that something happens during the afternoon.

is “Is” means “is” in “is het scherm moeilijk te lezen,” linking the screen with its condition. Use it with an adjective and an infinitive phrase to describe what is difficult or easy to do.

moeilijk “Moeilijk” means “difficult” in “moeilijk te lezen,” describing the screen as hard to read. Use it before “te” plus an infinitive when an action is difficult to carry out.

te “Te” marks the infinitive in “te lezen,” meaning that reading the screen is difficult. The pattern “moeilijk te” plus an infinitive is useful for describing an action that is hard to perform.

lezen “Lezen” means “read” in “moeilijk te lezen,” referring to reading the screen’s content. Use it after “te” in this construction when describing the difficulty of reading something.

Probeer “Probeer” means “try” and gives a direct suggestion in “Probeer het bureau een beetje te verplaatsen.” It is followed by the action being attempted; use it when advising someone to test a possible solution.

bureau “Bureau” means “desk,” the piece of furniture that could be moved slightly. Use it when talking about a work surface or office furniture.

beetje “Beetje” means “a little” or “a bit” in “een beetje te verplaatsen,” limiting how far the desk should move. Use “een beetje” before an action or description when suggesting a small amount.

verplaatsen “Verplaatsen” means “move” in “het bureau … te verplaatsen,” referring to changing the desk’s position. Use it with an object, as in “iets verplaatsen,” when relocating something.

gebruik “Gebruik” means “use” in “gebruik het gordijn,” giving another direct suggestion. It is followed by the object “het gordijn”; use it when telling someone to make use of an available item.

gordijn “Gordijn” means “curtain,” which can reduce the light during calls. Use it when discussing covering a window or controlling light in a room.

tijdens “Tijdens” means “during” in “tijdens gesprekken,” identifying when the curtain should be used. Use it before an event or activity to say that something happens while it is taking place.

gesprekken “Gesprekken” means “conversations” or “calls” in “tijdens gesprekken,” referring here to work calls. Use it for spoken exchanges, including conversations held online or by phone.

Als “Als” means “if” in “Als ik me comfortabeler voel,” introducing a condition for the expected improvement. Use “als” to connect a possible condition with its result.

me “Me” means “myself” in “ik me comfortabeler voel,” referring back to the speaker. Together with “voel,” it expresses how the speaker feels; use this reflexive pattern when describing your own state or feelings.

comfortabeler “Comfortabeler” means “more comfortable,” comparing the speaker’s expected comfort with the current situation. It is used in “me comfortabeler voel”; use it when describing an improvement in physical or personal comfort.

voel “Voel” means “feel” in “ik me comfortabeler voel,” describing the speaker’s physical or personal experience. Use it with “me” and an adjective when saying how you feel.

beter “Beter” means “better” in “beter moeten kunnen werken,” describing improved work performance. Use it to compare a new result with the current one, especially after a change or adjustment.

moeten “Moeten” adds the meaning of “should” or “be expected to” in “zou ik ook beter moeten kunnen werken.” It comes before “kunnen werken”; use this combination when an expected ability or result follows from a condition.

kunnen “Kunnen” means “be able to” in “moeten kunnen werken,” referring to the ability to work better. It is followed by “werken”; use “kunnen” plus an infinitive to describe what someone is able to do.

werken “Werken” means “work” in “beter moeten kunnen werken,” referring to the speaker’s work activity. Use it after a modal verb such as “kunnen” when describing an ability or possibility.

aanpassingen “Aanpassingen” means “adjustments,” referring to small changes in the work setup. Use it when discussing practical changes made to improve comfort, position, or results.

zijn “Zijn” means “are” in “Kleine aanpassingen zijn belangrijk,” linking the adjustments with their importance. Use it to connect a plural subject with a description or evaluation.

belangrijk “Belangrijk” means “important” in “aanpassingen zijn belangrijk,” emphasizing that small changes have value. Use it to evaluate an action, detail, or factor that matters.

urenlang “Urenlang” means “for hours,” emphasizing the long duration of sitting in the same position. Use it directly with an activity or state when something continues for several hours.

dezelfde “Dezelfde” means “the same” in “dezelfde houding,” referring to one unchanged body position. Use it before a noun when emphasizing that something does not change.

zit “Zit” means “sit” or “be sitting” in “je … in dezelfde houding zit.” It describes remaining in a particular position; use it with a posture, place, or position when talking about how someone sits.

indeling “Indeling” means “layout” or “arrangement,” referring to the current placement of the desk and equipment. Use it when discussing how objects or spaces are organized.

eerst “Eerst” means “first” in “deze indeling eerst proberen,” showing that the speaker will test the arrangement before buying anything. Use it to set the first step in a sequence.

proberen “Proberen” means “try” in “deze indeling eerst proberen,” referring to testing the layout. It follows “kan” in the full sentence; use it with an object or action that you want to test.

voordat “Voordat” means “before” and introduces the later event in “voordat ik iets koop.” Use it to put one action before another in time; the action after “voordat” is the reference point.

iets “Iets” means “something” in “voordat ik iets koop,” referring generally to any item the speaker might buy. Use it when the exact object is unknown, unimportant, or not yet specified.

klinkt “Klinkt” means “sounds” in “Dat klinkt logisch,” expressing an evaluation of an idea. Use it with an adjective such as “logisch” when saying how a suggestion or explanation seems.

logisch “Logisch” means “logical” or “sensible” in “Dat klinkt logisch,” showing agreement with the proposed approach. Use it after “klinkt” to say that an idea makes sense.

want “Want” means “because” and introduces the reason why the cheap solution may be enough. Use it to add a direct explanation after a statement, as in “Dat klinkt logisch, want …”.

goedkoopste “Goedkoopste” means “cheapest” in “de goedkoopste oplossing,” identifying the solution with the lowest cost. It comes before the noun and is useful when comparing possible purchases or choices.

oplossing “Oplossing” means “solution,” here referring to the inexpensive arrangement using the current setup. Use it for an action, idea, or method that solves a problem.

misschien “Misschien” means “maybe” or “perhaps” and signals uncertainty in “is misschien voldoende.” Use it when presenting a possibility without claiming that it is certain.

voldoende “Voldoende” means “enough” or “sufficient,” describing the cheapest solution as adequate for the problem. Use it after “zijn” or “is” when saying that something meets the required level.

Grammar Points

comfortabel → comfortabeler

comfortabeler

kom-for-TAH-buh-lur

more comfortable

Add -er to form the comparative: comfortabeler means “more comfortable.”

goedkoop → goedkoopste

goedkoopste

KHOOT-kohp-stuh

cheapest

Add -ste to form the superlative: goedkoopste means “cheapest.”

Dutch Vocabulary

belast verb

buh-LAST burdens; puts strain on

Je werkplek belast je lichaam.

hoger zetten phrase

HOH-gur ZET-uh(n) to raise; to put higher

Ik kan hem met boeken hoger zetten.

houding noun

HOW-ding posture; position

Dat zou je houding verbeteren.

laag adj

lahkh low

de monitor zo laag staat

lichaam noun

LEEK-hahm body

Je werkplek belast je lichaam.

nadat conj

nah-DAHT after

nadat ik de hele dag aan deze kleine tafel heb gewerkt

pijn noun

pyne pain

Mijn schouders doen pijn.

schouders noun

SKHOW-ders shoulders

Mijn schouders doen pijn.

standaard noun

STAHN-daart stand; holder

een goede standaard

verbeteren verb

buh-VAY-tuh-run to improve

Dat zou je houding verbeteren.

vooral adv

voh-RAHL especially

vooral omdat de monitor zo laag staat

werkplek noun

WERK-playk workplace; work setup

Je werkplek belast je lichaam.

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

That would help your posture.

Show Answer

Dat zou je houding verbeteren.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

low

Show Answer

laag

pain

Show Answer

pijn

body

Show Answer

lichaam

burdens; puts strain on

Show Answer

belast