About This Lesson
Use Comparing online and in-store product information to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
De online productinformatie is handig.
duh ON-line proh-DUKT-in-for-MAHT-see iss HAN-dukh The online listing is helpful.
A
Maar ik wil de rugzak in de winkel uitproberen.
mahr ik vil duh ROOK-zak in duh VING-kuhl OWT-proo-BAY-run But I want to try the backpack in person.
B
In de winkel kun je de banden, rits en het materiaal goed bekijken.
in duh VING-kuhl kun yuh duh BAN-duhn, rits en hut maht-uh-ree-AHL khoot buh-KY-kuhn In the shop, you can check the straps, zipper, and material closely.
A
In verschillende reviews worden zwakke ritsen genoemd, dus ik wil dat onderdeel goed testen.
in ver-SKHIL-uhn-duh REV-yooz WOR-duhn ZWAHK-kuh RIT-suhn guh-NOOMT, doos ik vil dat on-duhr-DALE khoot TES-tuhn Several reviews mention weak zippers, so I want to test that part carefully.
B
Probeer hem dan een paar keer open te maken.
proo-BAYR um dan uhn pahr kair OH-puhn tuh MAH-kuhn Then try opening it a few times.
B
Vraag naar het ruilbeleid voordat je beslist.
vrahkh nahr hut ROYL-buh-LITE voohr-DAHT yuh duh-SLIST Ask about the exchange policy before you decide.
A
Deze hier voelt steviger aan, hoewel de website de kleurkeuzes duidelijker laat zien.
DAY-zuh heer fuhlt STAY-vuh-gur ahn, hoo-WAIL duh WEB-site duh KLUR-kur-zuhs DOW-duh-luh-kur laht zeen The one here feels stronger, though the website shows the color options more clearly.
B
Gebruik de website om de keuzes te bekijken.
guh-BROYK duh WEB-site om duh KUR-zuhs tuh buh-KY-kuhn Use the website for the options.
B
Gebruik het bezoek aan de winkel om de kwaliteit te beoordelen.
guh-BROYK hut buh-ZOHK ahn duh VING-kuhl om duh kwah-lih-TITE tuh buh-OR-day-luhn Use the shop visit to judge the quality.
A
Zo kan ik ze beter met elkaar vergelijken.
zoh kan ik zuh BAY-tur met uhl-KAHR ver-guh-LIE-kuhn That gives me a clearer way to compare them.
B
Kies de rugzak die betrouwbaar aanvoelt en ook de stijl heeft die je wilt.
kees duh ROOK-zak dee buh-TROW-bahr ahn-VOO-let en ohk duh style heft dee yuh vilt Choose the one that feels reliable and still has the style you want.Word by Word
De
'De' means 'the' before 'online productinformatie' in this sentence. It is the definite article used with this noun here. Use 'de' before a noun when referring to a specific thing, such as 'de winkel' in a shop conversation.
online
'online' means 'online' and describes the product information in 'De online productinformatie'. It is used here before the noun to specify where the information is available. A new example is 'online bestellen' for ordering online.
productinformatie
'productinformatie' means information about a product, referring here to the details available online. It is a useful compound for discussing specifications, features, or other product details. Use it with a source or location, as in 'online productinformatie'.
is
'is' means 'is' and links 'De online productinformatie' with the description 'handig'. This form states what something is like or how it is judged here. Use 'is' before an adjective or description, as in 'De website is duidelijk' in a new example.
handig
'handig' means helpful or handy, describing the online product information here. It says that the information is useful for the shopper. Use it after 'is' to describe something practical, as in a new example 'Deze informatie is handig'.
Maar
'Maar' means 'but' and introduces a contrast with the helpful online information. It marks the speaker's different preference: seeing the backpack in person. Use 'maar' to connect two contrasting statements, as in a new example 'Het is duur, maar het is sterk'.
ik
'ik' means 'I' and identifies the speaker who wants to try the backpack. It is the subject of 'ik wil'. Use 'ik' when stating your own wish, opinion, or action, as in a new example 'Ik zoek een tas'.
wil
'wil' means 'want' in 'ik wil de rugzak ... uitproberen'. It expresses the speaker's wish to do the action that follows. A common reusable pattern is 'Ik wil ... uitproberen' when saying that you want to try something.
rugzak
'rugzak' means 'backpack', the product being compared and tested in the shop. It is the object of 'uitproberen' in this sentence. Use it with product actions such as 'de rugzak bekijken' in a new example.
in
'in' means 'in' in 'in de winkel', locating the action inside the shop. The same exact form also appears at the beginning of 'In de winkel'. Use 'in' with a place when saying where something happens, such as 'in de website' would not fit this context, while 'in de winkel' does.
winkel
'winkel' means shop or store, specifically the place where the backpack can be tried in person. In 'in de winkel', it follows the location word 'in' and article 'de'. Use 'naar de winkel' in a new example when describing movement toward a shop.
uitproberen
'uitproberen' means to try out something in order to see how it works or feels. Here it is the action the speaker wants to perform with the backpack. A reusable pattern is 'iets uitproberen', with the thing being tried in the object position.
kun
'kun' means 'can' in 'kun je ... bekijken', expressing that the listener is able or allowed to inspect the items. It appears with 'je' before the action 'bekijken'. Use the pattern 'Je kunt ... bekijken' when telling someone what they can inspect.
je
'je' means 'you' in 'kun je de banden ... bekijken', referring to the person in the shop. It is the person who can carry out the inspection. Use 'je' with an ability or suggestion, as in a new example 'Je kunt dit passen'.
banden
'banden' means straps, referring here to the backpack straps that can be checked. The plural form is used because the sentence discusses the straps as a group. Use it after a product noun when identifying parts, as in 'de banden van de rugzak' in a new example.
rits
'rits' means zipper, one part of the backpack that can be inspected. The sentence lists it alongside the straps and material. Use 'de rits bekijken' or 'de rits testen' when discussing a zipper in a product check.
en
'en' means 'and' and joins 'de banden, rits' with 'het materiaal' in the list of things to inspect. It connects items of equal importance in the sentence. Use 'en' to add another noun or action, as in a new example 'de kleur en de maat'.
het
'het' means 'the' before 'materiaal' in 'het materiaal'. It is the definite article used with this noun here. Use 'het' before a specific noun when that noun takes this article, as in 'het ruilbeleid' in a new example.
materiaal
'materiaal' means material, referring to what the backpack is made from. It is one of the product features that can be examined in the shop. Use it with a product, as in 'het materiaal van de rugzak' in a new example.
goed
'goed' means well or properly in 'goed bekijken', indicating that the items should be inspected carefully or thoroughly. It modifies the way the action is carried out. Use 'goed' with an action when emphasizing careful performance, as in 'goed testen'.
bekijken
'bekijken' means to look at or inspect something, here the straps, zipper, and material. It is used after 'kun je' to describe what the person can do. A reusable pattern is 'iets goed bekijken', keeping the object after the action.
verschillende
'verschillende' means several or different and describes the reviews mentioned in the sentence. It indicates that the comments come from more than one review. Use it before a plural noun, as in 'verschillende opties' in a new example.
reviews
'reviews' means reviews, referring to customer comments about the backpack. These reviews are the source of the concern about weak zippers. Use it with verbs such as 'reviews lezen' when researching a product in a new example.
worden
'worden' is part of 'worden ... genoemd', meaning that the weak zippers are mentioned in the reviews. It presents the reviews' mention of the zippers without focusing on who mentions them. Use 'worden ... genoemd' when reporting that something appears in comments or reports.
zwakke
'zwakke' means weak and describes the zippers that reviews mention. The form agrees with the plural noun 'ritsen' in the expression 'zwakke ritsen'. Use it before a noun when describing something as weak, as in 'zwakke banden' in a new example.
ritsen
'ritsen' means zippers, referring to the zipper parts criticized in the reviews. This plural form is used because the reviews mention zippers generally rather than one single zipper. Use it with a quality description, as in 'sterke ritsen' in a new example.
genoemd
'genoemd' means mentioned in 'worden zwakke ritsen genoemd'. It identifies the information reported in the reviews. Use 'iets wordt genoemd' when saying that a topic or feature is mentioned in a review or conversation.
dus
'dus' means so or therefore and introduces the speaker's consequence: testing the part carefully. It connects the concern about weak zippers with the planned action. Use 'dus' between a reason and its result, as in a new example 'De rits is stroef, dus ik test hem opnieuw'.
dat
'dat' means that part or that one in 'dat onderdeel', referring to the zipper-related component just discussed. It points to a specific thing already understood from the context. Use 'dat' before a noun when referring back to a particular item, as in 'dat product' in a new example.
onderdeel
'onderdeel' means part or component, here the part of the backpack connected with the weak zippers. It narrows the testing target from the whole backpack to one component. Use 'een onderdeel van' to identify a component of something in a new example.
testen
'testen' means to test, and here it describes checking the relevant backpack part carefully. It follows 'wil' in 'ik wil ... testen'. A reusable pattern is 'iets testen', with the item being tested after the verb.
Probeer
'Probeer' means 'try' and gives a direct suggestion to the listener. Here it starts the instruction to open the zipper or backpack several times. Use 'Probeer ...' when encouraging someone to test an action or object.
hem
'hem' means it or him, and here it refers back to the backpack or its zipper-related opening action. It is the object of 'open te maken'. Use 'hem' when referring back to a masculine common-gender object already clear from the conversation.
dan
'dan' means then and places the suggested action after the earlier discussion about testing. In 'Probeer hem dan ...', it means to do this next or as a consequence. Use 'dan' to sequence actions, as in a new example 'Kijk eerst, en probeer het dan'.
een
'een' means 'a' in the expression 'een paar keer'. Here it helps form the quantity phrase 'a few times', rather than identifying one specific time. Use 'een paar' before a plural noun or time expression to indicate a small number.
paar
'paar' means a few or a couple in 'een paar keer'. Together with 'keer', it indicates that the action should be repeated a small number of times. Use the pattern 'een paar keer' when giving a repetition count.
keer
'keer' means time or times in 'een paar keer', referring to the number of repetitions. It completes the expression for doing something several times. Use 'één keer' or 'een paar keer' when stating how often an action happens in a new example.
open
'open' means open in 'open te maken', describing the resulting state of the backpack or zipper. It is part of the action of making something open. Use the pattern 'iets open maken' when describing opening an object.
te
'te' links 'open' and 'maken' in the expression 'open te maken'. It marks the infinitive phrase after the instruction 'Probeer'. Use 'proberen ... te maken' when describing an attempt to cause a result, while keeping the full action phrase together.
maken
'maken' means make or cause here, as part of 'open te maken', meaning to make it open. Its contribution is to express the action that produces the open state. Use 'iets open maken' for opening a bag, door, or container in a new example.
Vraag
'Vraag' means 'ask' and gives a direct instruction to obtain information about the exchange policy. It is used at the beginning of the sentence as an imperative. Use 'Vraag naar ...' when telling someone to ask for information about a topic.
naar
'naar' means about or for in 'Vraag naar het ruilbeleid'. It is the preposition used with 'Vraag' to identify the information being requested. Use the pattern 'vragen naar iets' when asking about a product detail, policy, or person.
ruilbeleid
'ruilbeleid' means exchange policy, referring to the shop's rules for exchanging a purchased item. The speaker recommends asking about it before deciding. Use it with 'vragen naar' when checking shop conditions in a new example.
voordat
'voordat' means before and introduces the action that should happen first: asking about the policy. It places one event ahead of another in time. Use 'voordat' to connect a prior action with a later decision, as in a new example 'Lees dit voordat je betaalt'.
beslist
'beslist' means decide in 'voordat je beslist', referring to making the final choice about the backpack. It follows 'je' in the subordinate clause introduced by 'voordat'. Use 'voordat je beslist' when advising someone to check information before choosing.
Deze
'Deze' means this one and points to the backpack that is physically present in the shop. It contrasts the item here with the information or options on the website. Use 'deze' when selecting a nearby item, as in a new example 'Deze is sterker'.
hier
'hier' means here and specifies the location of the selected backpack. In 'Deze hier', it emphasizes the item that is present at this spot or in this shop. Use 'hier' to distinguish a nearby option from another one elsewhere.
voelt
'voelt' means feels in 'voelt steviger aan', describing the speaker's physical impression of the backpack. It is used with 'aan' as part of the expression for how something feels. Use 'iets voelt ... aan' when describing a tactile impression, as in a new example 'De stof voelt zacht aan'.
steviger
'steviger' means stronger or sturdier, comparing the backpack here with another option. It describes the impression formed by touching or handling it. Use 'steviger' when comparing the physical strength or firmness of two products.
aan
'aan' completes the expression 'voelt steviger aan', meaning feels sturdier when handled. Its meaning here comes from the whole feeling expression, not from 'aan' alone. Use 'voelt ... aan' with an adjective when describing how an object feels.
hoewel
'hoewel' means although or though and introduces a contrasting fact about the website. The backpack feels sturdier, although the website presents the color choices more clearly. Use 'hoewel' to add a concession, as in a new example 'Hoewel het duur is, koop ik het'.
website
'website' means website, referring to the online source that displays the color options. It is the subject of 'laat ... zien'. Use it with online information actions, as in 'de website bekijken' in a new example.
kleurkeuzes
'kleurkeuzes' means color options, referring to the different colors available for the product. The website shows these choices clearly. Use it when discussing selectable product colors, as in 'verschillende kleurkeuzes' in a new example.
duidelijker
'duidelijker' means more clearly and compares the website's presentation with the in-person check. It describes how the website shows the color choices. Use it when comparing which source presents information more clearly.
laat
'laat' means lets or causes in 'laat zien', where the website causes the color choices to be visible or displays them. It is part of the fixed expression 'iets laten zien'. Use 'laat ... zien' when saying that a person, screen, or website displays something.
zien
'zien' means see or show, and in 'laat zien' it contributes to the meaning 'shows'. It completes the expression used for displaying the color choices. Use the pattern 'iets laten zien' when presenting information or an object.
Gebruik
'Gebruik' means 'use' and gives an instruction to use the website for checking the available choices. It is the imperative form at the start of the sentence. Use 'Gebruik ... om ... te bekijken' when recommending a tool for a specific purpose.
om
'om' introduces the purpose phrase 'om de keuzes te bekijken'. It explains why the website should be used. Use 'om ... te' to express purpose, keeping the action after it in the infinitive phrase.
keuzes
'keuzes' means choices or options, referring here to the product options shown on the website. It is the object of 'bekijken'. Use it with 'bekijken' when reviewing available alternatives, as in 'de keuzes bekijken'.
bezoek
'bezoek' means visit, referring to the shopper's visit to the physical store. In 'het bezoek aan de winkel', it names the event used to judge quality. Use 'een bezoek aan' when describing a visit to a place or institution.
kwaliteit
'kwaliteit' means quality, referring to how well-made or dependable the backpack seems. The shop visit is recommended as a way to assess it. Use 'de kwaliteit van' before a product when discussing its quality in a new example.
beoordelen
'beoordelen' means to judge or assess, here the action of evaluating the backpack's quality. It follows 'om' in the purpose phrase 'om de kwaliteit te beoordelen'. Use 'iets beoordelen' when forming an evaluation based on evidence or inspection.
Zo
'Zo' means that way or so and refers to combining website information with the shop visit. It introduces the result of using both sources. Use 'Zo kan ik ...' when explaining how a method makes an action possible.
kan
'kan' means can and expresses the speaker's ability to compare the backpacks using the information gathered. It appears before the subject 'ik' because the sentence begins with 'Zo'. Use 'kan ik ...' to state what you are able to do after a condition or method.
ze
'ze' means them here and refers to the backpacks or options being compared. It is the object of 'vergelijken'. Use 'ze' to refer back to plural items already clear from the conversation.
beter
'beter' means better and shows that the comparison can be made more effectively with both types of information. It modifies the comparison action in 'beter ... vergelijken'. Use 'beter' when describing an improved way of doing something.
met
'met' means with in 'met elkaar vergelijken'. It forms the expression for comparing items with each other. Use the pattern 'iets met elkaar vergelijken' when comparing two or more items directly.
elkaar
'elkaar' means each other in 'met elkaar vergelijken', emphasizing that the items are compared against one another. It completes the mutual comparison expression. Use 'met elkaar' with actions involving reciprocal comparison or interaction.
vergelijken
'vergelijken' means compare, here referring to comparing the backpack options. The reusable expression is 'ze met elkaar vergelijken', with the objects and comparison relationship kept explicit. Use it when evaluating alternatives side by side.
Kies
'Kies' means 'choose' and gives the final recommendation about selecting a backpack. It is an imperative directed at the shopper. Use 'Kies de ... die ...' when selecting an item based on a quality or condition.
die
'die' means that or which and introduces the description of the backpack to choose. It links 'de rugzak' with the qualities 'betrouwbaar' and 'de stijl ...'. Use 'de ... die ...' to identify a specific item by its features.
betrouwbaar
'betrouwbaar' means reliable, describing a backpack that seems dependable in use. It is part of the description after 'die'. Use it for products, services, or information that can be trusted, as in a new example 'een betrouwbare winkel'.
aanvoelt
'aanvoelt' means feels in 'betrouwbaar aanvoelt', expressing the impression that the backpack seems reliable. It is the form used after 'die' in the identifying clause. Use 'iets voelt betrouwbaar aan' when describing a product that gives a dependable impression.
ook
'ook' means also or as well here, adding the requirement that the chosen backpack has the desired style in addition to feeling reliable. It connects two selection criteria. Use 'ook' when adding another quality or condition, as in a new example 'Het is sterk en ook licht'.
stijl
'stijl' means style, referring to the appearance or design the shopper wants. It is the quality the chosen backpack should have in addition to reliability. Use 'de stijl hebben die je wilt' when describing an item that matches someone's preferred design.
heeft
'heeft' means has in 'de stijl heeft die je wilt', stating that the backpack possesses the desired style. It follows the subject 'de rugzak' in the relative clause. Use 'iets heeft die ...' to describe a product with a particular feature, such as 'de kleur die je wilt' in a new example.
Grammar Points
voordat + bijzin: het werkwoord staat aan het einde
Voordat je de rugzak uitprobeert, bekijk je de rits.
voohr-DAHT yuh duh ROOK-zak OWT-proo-BAYRT, buh-KYKH yuh duh ritsBefore you try out the backpack, you look at the zipper.
Na voordat komt het werkwoord aan het einde van de bijzin: je rugzak uitprobeert.
hoewel + bijzin: het werkwoord staat aan het einde
Hoewel de rugzak stevig aanvoelt, vergelijk je de kwaliteit.
hoo-WAIL duh ROOK-zak STAY-vuhkh ahn-VOOLT, ver-guh-LIEKH yuh duh kwah-lih-TITEAlthough the backpack feels sturdy, you compare the quality.
Na hoewel staat het werkwoord aan het einde van de bijzin: stevig aanvoelt.
Dutch Vocabulary
band
noun
bant
strap
banden
bekijken
verb
buh-KY-kuhn
to look at; to inspect
handig
adj
HAN-dukh
helpful; handy
materiaal
noun
maht-uh-ree-AHL
material
onderdeel
noun
on-duhr-DALE
part; component
productinformatie
noun
proh-DUKT-in-for-MAHT-see
product information
rits
noun
rits
zipper
rugzak
noun
ROOK-zak
backpack
uitproberen
verb
OWT-proo-BAY-run
to try out
verschillende
adj
ver-SKHIL-uhn-duh
several; different
winkel
noun
VING-kuhl
shop; store
zwak
adj
ZWAHK
weak
zwakke
Quiz
Word Order
Arrange the words in the correct order.
The online listing is helpful.
Show Answer
De online productinformatie is handig.Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
to look at; to inspect
Show Answer
bekijkenbackpack
Show Answer
rugzakzipper
Show Answer
ritsmaterial