Narrowing a local history search | Learn Dutch in English

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Use Narrowing a local history search to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Ik doe onderzoek naar lokale geschiedenis en heb betere bronnen nodig.

ikh doo ON-der-zohk nar LOH-kah-luh khuh-SKHEE-duh-niss en hep BAY-tuh-ruh BROH-nun NOH-dikh. I'm researching local history and need stronger sources.

Laten we het onderwerp eerst afbakenen, zodat de zoekopdracht in de database bruikbare resultaten oplevert.

LAH-tun wuh ut ON-der-wairp ayrst AF-bah-kuh-nun, zoh-DAHT duh ZOOK-op-drahkht in duh DAY-tah-bay-suh BROYK-bah-ruh ray-zul-TAH-tun OP-lay-vurt. Let's narrow the topic first so the database search returns useful records.

Ik heb brede zoekwoorden geprobeerd, maar de resultaten waren alle kanten op.

ikh hep BRAY-duh ZOOK-wohrt-un khuh-proo-BAYRT, mahr duh ray-zul-TAH-tun WAH-run AH-luh KAHN-tun OP. I tried broad keywords, and the results were all over the place.

Gebruik de naam van de buurt, een periode en het type bron als filters.

khuh-BROYK duh nahm vahn duh BOORT, ayn pay-ree-OH-duh en ut TAY-puh brohn ahls FIL-turs. Use the neighborhood name, a date range, and the source type as filters.

Kun je me laten zien hoe ik toegang krijg tot de krantenarchieven?

kun yuh muh LAH-tun zayn hoo ikh TOO-khahng kraykh tot duh KRAHN-tun-ar-KHEE-vun? Could you show me how to access the newspaper archives?

Sommige archieven zijn alleen toegankelijk via het netwerk van de bibliotheek.

SOHM-uh-khuh ar-KHEE-vun zayn ah-LAYN TOO-khahng-kuh-luk VEE-ah ut NET-wairk vahn duh bee-blee-oh-TAYK. Some archives open only on the library network.

Begin dus op deze cataloguspagina.

buh-KHIN dus op DAY-zuh kah-tah-LOH-khus-pah-KHEE-nah. So start from this catalogue page.

Dat verklaart waarom ze thuis niet wilden laden.

daht vur-KLAHRT vah-ROHM zuh TOWSS neet WIL-dun LAH-dun. That explains why they would not load from home.

Gebruik nu deze computer.

khuh-BROYK noo DAY-zuh kom-PYOO-tur. Use this computer now.

Of log in met je bibliotheekpas via de link naar het archief.

of lok IN met yuh bee-blee-oh-TAYK-pahs VEE-ah duh link nar ut ar-KHEEF. Or sign in with your library card from the archive link.

Dat zou me veel tijd moeten besparen.

daht zow muh vayl tayt MOO-tun buh-SPAH-run. That should save me a lot of time.

Je zou dan ook bronnen moeten vinden die makkelijker te citeren zijn.

yuh zow dahn ohk BROH-nun MOO-tun VIN-dun dee MAH-kuh-luh-kur tuh see-TAY-run zayn. It should also give you sources that are easier to cite.

Word by Word

Ik “Ik” means “I” and is the speaker who is doing the research in “Ik doe onderzoek naar lokale geschiedenis”. It is used as the subject before a verb when you describe your own action or situation.

doe “Doe” means “do” in the expression “doe onderzoek naar”, where the speaker says they are carrying out research. Its citation form is doen; a reusable pattern is “onderzoek doen naar + onderwerp” when describing a research topic.

onderzoek “Onderzoek” means “research” in “doe onderzoek naar lokale geschiedenis”. It names the activity being carried out, and “onderzoek doen naar + onderwerp” is useful when discussing an investigation or study.

naar In “onderzoek naar lokale geschiedenis”, “naar” introduces what the research is about or directed toward. The reusable pattern is “onderzoek naar + onderwerp”, useful when specifying a research focus.

lokale “Lokale” means “local” and describes the particular history being researched in “lokale geschiedenis”. Its citation form is lokaal; use it before a noun when referring to something connected with a specific local area.

geschiedenis “Geschiedenis” means “history” in “lokale geschiedenis”, the subject of the research. The phrase is useful when identifying a historical topic or field of study.

en “En” means “and” and links the research activity with the need for sources in the first sentence. Use “en” to join two related actions, facts, or items.

heb “Heb” means “have” in “heb betere bronnen nodig”, which expresses that the speaker needs better sources. Its citation form is hebben; a reusable pattern is “Ik heb ... nodig” for stating a need.

betere “Betere” means “better” or, in this context, “stronger” sources in “betere bronnen”. It is the comparative form of goed, and “betere + noun” is useful when comparing the quality of available options.

bronnen “Bronnen” means “sources”, specifically the research materials the speaker needs. It is the plural of bron; in research, you can discuss sources that are useful or easier to cite.

nodig “Nodig” means “needed” in the expression “heb betere bronnen nodig”. Together with hebben, it states a requirement; “iets nodig hebben” is a reusable way to say that something is necessary.

Laten In “Laten we het onderwerp eerst afbakenen”, “Laten” helps introduce a joint suggestion: let us narrow the topic. Its citation form is laten; use “Laten we + infinitive” when proposing an action to do together.

we “We” means “we” and identifies the people who are being invited to narrow the topic together. In “Laten we ...”, it refers to the speaker and the person being addressed.

het “Het” means “the” before “onderwerp” in “het onderwerp eerst afbakenen”. Use it before a noun when referring to a specific topic or thing.

onderwerp “Onderwerp” means “topic” in “het onderwerp eerst afbakenen”. It is the subject whose scope the speakers want to define, so “een onderwerp afbakenen” is useful when making a topic more focused.

eerst “Eerst” means “first” or “before anything else” in “het onderwerp eerst afbakenen”. It signals the order of the suggested steps and is useful for sequencing instructions.

afbakenen “Afbakenen” means to narrow or define the scope of something, here the research topic. It is the infinitive after “Laten we”; “een onderwerp afbakenen” is useful when making research more specific.

zodat “Zodat” means “so that” and introduces the intended result of narrowing the topic: the search should return useful records. Use “zodat + clause” to connect an action with its purpose or expected result.

de “De” means “the” before “zoekopdracht” in “de zoekopdracht in de database”. It points to the specific search query being discussed, and it is used before this noun in the phrase.

zoekopdracht “Zoekopdracht” means “search query” or “search request” in the database context. The phrase “een zoekopdracht in de database” is useful when describing a search made inside a database.

in “In” means “in” in “in de database”, identifying the database as the place where the search is carried out. Use “in + place or system” to say where an action or search takes place.

database “Database” means “database”, the system in which the search query is run. It is used here after “in” to identify the information system being searched.

bruikbare “Bruikbare” means “useful” in “bruikbare resultaten”, describing results that can help the research. Its citation form is bruikbaar; use it before a noun when evaluating whether something can be used.

resultaten “Resultaten” means “results”, referring to what the database search returns. It is the plural of resultaat and is useful when discussing the outcome of a search or process.

oplevert “Oplevert” means “returns” or “produces” in “de zoekopdracht ... bruikbare resultaten oplevert”. Its citation form is opleveren; a useful pattern is “een zoekopdracht levert resultaten op” when describing search output.

brede “Brede” means “broad” in “brede zoekwoorden”, indicating that the keywords were not focused enough. Its citation form is breed; use it before a noun when describing wide scope or coverage.

zoekwoorden “Zoekwoorden” means “keywords”, the words used to search the database. It is the plural of zoekwoord, and “brede zoekwoorden” is useful when discussing search terms that cover a large area.

geprobeerd “Geprobeerd” means “tried” in “heb brede zoekwoorden geprobeerd”. Its citation form is proberen; with hebben, it describes an attempted search method, and “iets geprobeerd hebben” is a reusable pattern.

maar “Maar” means “but” and contrasts the attempted broad search with its unfocused results. Use it to introduce a fact that limits, corrects, or contrasts with the preceding statement.

waren “Waren” describes what the results were like in “de resultaten waren alle kanten op”. Its citation form is zijn; use it to connect a subject with a description of its state or character.

alle kanten op “Alle kanten op” means “all over the place” in the description of the search results. “Alle” contributes “all”, “kanten” contributes “sides” or “directions”, and “op” completes the expression; together they describe something scattered or lacking a clear direction. Use the expression for a search, discussion, or situation that has become unfocused.

Gebruik “Gebruik” is the command “use” in “Gebruik de naam van de buurt ... als filters”. Its citation form is gebruiken; use “Gebruik + object” when giving a direct instruction about a tool or method.

naam “Naam” means “name” in “de naam van de buurt”, the neighborhood name used as a search filter. The pattern “de naam van + noun” is useful when identifying what a person, place, or thing is called.

van In “de naam van de buurt”, “van” connects the name with the neighborhood it belongs to. Use “de naam van + noun” when expressing this relationship.

buurt “Buurt” means “neighborhood” in “de naam van de buurt”. It identifies the local area used to narrow the history search, and the phrase is useful when specifying a particular part of a town or city.

een “Een” means “a” or “an” before “periode” in “een periode”. It introduces one non-specific period that can be used as a search filter.

periode “Periode” means “period” or “date range” in the list of filters. It identifies the time span to include in a search, so “een periode” is useful when specifying a historical range.

type “Type” means “type” or “kind” in “het type bron”. It identifies the category of source to use as a filter, and “het type + noun” is a reusable way to specify a category.

bron “Bron” means “source” in “het type bron”, where the source category is used as a filter. It is the singular form related to bronnen and is useful when identifying one kind of research material.

als “Als” means “as” in “als filters”, marking the function of the neighborhood name, period, and source type. Use “iets als filter gebruiken” when describing something used to narrow a search.

filters “Filters” means “filters”, the criteria used to narrow the database search. It is the plural of filter, and it is useful in instructions about limiting search results.

Kun “Kun” means “can” in the polite request “Kun je me laten zien hoe ...?” Its citation form is kunnen; use “Kun je ...?” to ask someone informally whether they can help or demonstrate something.

je “Je” means “you” in “Kun je me laten zien ...?”, referring to the librarian being addressed. It is used here as the person who can show the speaker how to access the archives.

me “Me” means “me” in “me laten zien”, identifying the person who will receive the demonstration. The pattern “iemand iets laten zien” is useful when asking someone to show something to another person.

zien “Zien” means “see” in “laten zien hoe ik toegang krijg ...”, where the full expression means “show me how”. It is the infinitive used with laten, and “laten zien hoe + clause” is useful when asking for an explanation or demonstration.

hoe “Hoe” means “how” and introduces the method clause “hoe ik toegang krijg tot de krantenarchieven”. Use “hoe + clause” when asking or explaining the way an action is done.

toegang “Toegang” means “access” in “toegang krijg tot de krantenarchieven”. The reusable pattern is “toegang krijgen tot + resource” when discussing permission or the ability to reach a service or collection.

krijg “Krijg” means “get” or “obtain” in “toegang krijg tot de krantenarchieven”, meaning to gain access. Its citation form is krijgen; “toegang krijgen tot + resource” is useful when asking how to reach something.

tot In “toegang krijg tot de krantenarchieven”, “tot” introduces the resource being accessed. Use “toegang tot + noun” when specifying what someone can access.

krantenarchieven “Krantenarchieven” means “newspaper archives”, the historical newspaper collections the researcher wants to access. It is a plural compound, and “toegang tot de krantenarchieven” is useful when discussing access to those collections.

Sommige “Sommige” means “some” and selects only part of the archives in “Sommige archieven”. It is useful when explaining that a statement applies to a subset rather than to everything.

archieven “Archieven” means “archives”, referring here to collections that have restricted access. It is the plural of archief and is used with “Sommige” to describe only some collections.

zijn “Zijn” means “are” in “zijn alleen toegankelijk via het netwerk van de bibliotheek”, linking the archives with their access condition. Its citation form is zijn; use “zijn toegankelijk via + route” to describe how something can be reached.

alleen “Alleen” means “only” and limits access to the library network in “alleen toegankelijk via ...”. Use it before the relevant condition or route when one option is available and others are excluded.

toegankelijk “Toegankelijk” means “accessible” in “alleen toegankelijk via het netwerk van de bibliotheek”. It describes whether the archives can be reached, and “toegankelijk via + route” is useful for explaining access conditions.

via “Via” means “via” or “through” in “via het netwerk van de bibliotheek”, identifying the route required for access. Use “via + route or medium” when explaining how someone reaches a service or resource.

netwerk “Netwerk” means “network” in “het netwerk van de bibliotheek”, specifically the library network that provides access. The phrase is useful when access depends on a particular computer or network connection.

bibliotheek “Bibliotheek” means “library” in “het netwerk van de bibliotheek”. It identifies the institution whose network provides access to the archives, and it is useful for referring to the place or service involved.

Begin “Begin” is the command “start” in “Begin dus op deze cataloguspagina”. Its citation form is beginnen; use “Begin op + page or location” when telling someone where to start a process.

dus “Dus” means “so” or “therefore” in “Begin dus op deze cataloguspagina”. It presents the catalogue page as the practical consequence of the access explanation.

op “Op” means “on” in “op deze cataloguspagina”, identifying the page where the process should start. Use “beginnen op + page or location” when indicating a starting point.

deze “Deze” means “this” and points to the specific catalogue page being indicated in “deze cataloguspagina”. It is useful when directing someone’s attention to a particular nearby item or page.

cataloguspagina “Cataloguspagina” means “catalogue page”, the page from which the archive search should begin. It is a compound noun and is useful when directing someone to a particular page in a catalogue system.

Dat “Dat” means “that” in “Dat verklaart waarom ...”, referring to the preceding explanation about library-network access. Use it to point back to a fact or situation that has just been mentioned.

verklaart “Verklaart” means “explains” in “Dat verklaart waarom ze thuis niet wilden laden”. Its citation form is verklaren; use “iets verklaart waarom + clause” to give the reason for an outcome.

waarom “Waarom” means “why” and introduces the reason clause “waarom ze thuis niet wilden laden”. Use “waarom + clause” when explaining or asking about a cause.

ze “Ze” means “they” in “ze thuis niet wilden laden”, referring to the archives or archive pages as plural items. It is the subject of the clause describing what happened from home.

thuis “Thuis” means “at home” in “ze thuis niet wilden laden”, identifying the location where the access problem occurred. Use it when contrasting home access with access from another place, such as the library.

niet “Niet” means “not” and negates “wilden laden” in “ze thuis niet wilden laden”. Use it before the relevant verb phrase to state that an action did not happen or was not possible.

wilden “Wilden” means “would” or “wanted” in “niet wilden laden”; in this context, the archives or pages would not load from home. Its citation form is willen, and “niet willen + infinitive” is a useful pattern for saying that something will not or does not want to happen.

laden “Laden” means “load” in “niet wilden laden”, describing the pages or archives failing to open from home. It is the infinitive after wilden, and it is useful when discussing a page or file loading.

nu “Nu” means “now” in “Gebruik nu deze computer”, marking the immediate time for the suggested action. Use it when an instruction should be carried out at the present moment.

computer “Computer” means “computer”, specifically the library computer the researcher should use. It is the object of the instruction “Gebruik nu deze computer”.

Of “Of” means “or” and introduces an alternative in “Of log in met je bibliotheekpas ...”. Use it to offer another method or option after a first suggestion.

log In the exact expression “log in”, “log” contributes to the instruction to sign in to the archive service. The citation form is inloggen; use “log in met + access item” when telling someone how to sign in.

met “Met” means “with” in “met je bibliotheekpas”, identifying the card used for signing in. Use “met + tool, card, or means” to say what is used to carry out an action.

bibliotheekpas “Bibliotheekpas” means “library card”, the item used to sign in to the archive link. It is a compound noun, and “inloggen met je bibliotheekpas” is useful when describing library-account access.

link “Link” means “link” in “de link naar het archief”, identifying the clickable route to the archive. Use “de link naar + destination” when specifying where a link leads.

archief “Archief” means “archive” in “de link naar het archief”, referring to the online archive service. It is the singular form related to archieven and names the destination of the link.

zou “Zou” expresses “would” or a likely expected result in “Dat zou me veel tijd moeten besparen”. Its citation form is zullen; the pattern “zou ... moeten + infinitive” is useful for describing an expected benefit without stating it as a certainty.

veel “Veel” means “a lot of” in “veel tijd”, describing a large amount of time. Use it before an uncountable quantity such as time when emphasizing that the amount is large.

tijd “Tijd” means “time” in “veel tijd moeten besparen”, the resource that the suggested access method should save. The phrase is useful when discussing efficiency or avoiding a long process.

moeten “Moeten” means “should” or “need to” in “zou me veel tijd moeten besparen”, expressing the expected effect of the method. It is an infinitive after zou; “zou ... moeten + infinitive” is a reusable pattern for an expected result.

besparen “Besparen” means “save”, here referring to saving time in “veel tijd ... besparen”. It is the infinitive after moeten, and “tijd besparen” is a useful expression when describing a more efficient method.

dan “Dan” means “then” or “in that case” in “Je zou dan ook bronnen moeten vinden”. It connects the proposed sign-in method with its additional expected benefit.

ook “Ook” means “also” in “dan ook bronnen”, adding another benefit to the time saved. Use it when adding a further result, item, or advantage.

vinden “Vinden” means “find” in “bronnen moeten vinden”, describing locating sources through the improved search. It is the infinitive after moeten, and “bronnen vinden” is useful when discussing research results.

die “Die” means “that” or “which” in “bronnen die makkelijker te citeren zijn”, introducing a clause that describes the sources. It refers back to “bronnen”, and the pattern “noun die + clause” is useful for adding information about a noun.

makkelijker “Makkelijker” means “easier” in “makkelijker te citeren”, describing sources that require less effort to cite. It is the comparative form of makkelijk, and “makkelijker te + infinitive” is useful when comparing how easy an action is.

te “Te” marks the infinitive in “te citeren”, forming the expression “easier to cite”. Use “te + infinitive” after an adjective such as makkelijker when describing how easy an action is.

citeren “Citeren” means “cite” in “makkelijker te citeren”, referring to documenting or quoting sources in research. It is the infinitive after te, and the phrase is useful when evaluating how easy sources are to reference.

Grammar Points

hebben ... nodig

Ik heb een betere zoekopdracht nodig.

ikh hep ayn BAY-tuh-ruh ZOOK-op-drahkht NOH-dikh.

I need a better search query.

Dutch expresses “to need” with hebben ... nodig; nodig comes after the object.

adjectief + -e vóór een zelfstandig naamwoord

een bruikbare bron

ayn BROYK-bah-ruh brohn.

a useful source

An adjective before a de-word noun normally takes -e, including after een.

Dutch Vocabulary

afbakenen verb

AF-bah-kuh-nun to narrow down

beter adj

BAY-tur better betere

bron noun

brohn source bronnen

bruikbaar adj

BROYK-bahr useful bruikbare

database noun

DAY-tah-bay-suh database

lokale geschiedenis phrase

LOH-kah-luh khuh-SKHEE-duh-niss local history

nodig hebben verb

NOH-dikh HEH-bun to need heb ... nodig

onderwerp noun

ON-der-wairp topic

onderzoek noun

ON-der-zohk research

Ik doe onderzoek naar lokale geschiedenis.

opleveren verb

OP-lay-vur-un to produce; to yield oplevert

resultaat noun

ray-zul-TAHT result resultaten

zoekopdracht noun

ZOOK-op-drahkht search query

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

So start from this catalogue page.

Show Answer

Begin dus op deze cataloguspagina.

Use this computer now.

Show Answer

Gebruik nu deze computer.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

research

Show Answer

onderzoek

to narrow down

Show Answer

afbakenen

better

Show Answer

betere

source

Show Answer

bronnen