Taking responsibility for a damaged borrowed tool | Learn Dutch in English

Dutch lesson set in a contemporary Amsterdam everyday setting: In a shared space, one adult explains damage to a borrowed saw and agrees to replace the blade before returning it..

EN → NL / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Taking responsibility for a damaged borrowed tool to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Ik moet eerlijk zijn over de zaag die ik heb geleend.

ick moot AIR-lik zine OH-vur duh ZAHKH dee ick hep khuh-LAYNT. I need to be honest about the saw I borrowed.
B

Kun je uitleggen wat er is gebeurd?

kun yuh OYT-lay-khun vut ur iss guh-BURT? Can you explain what happened?
A

Het zaagblad raakte beschadigd toen ik dik hout aan het zagen was.

ut ZAHKH-blahd RAHKH-tuh buh-SKHAH-dikht toon ick dik howt ahn ut ZAH-khun vuss. The blade got damaged while I was cutting thick wood.
B

Was het hout te dik voor die zaag?

vuss ut howt tuh dik voor dee ZAHKH? Was the wood too thick for that saw?
A

Waarschijnlijk wel, en ik had het moeten vragen voordat ik het probeerde.

VAHR-skheyn-lik vel, en ick hut ut MOO-tun VRAH-khun vohr-DAHT ick ut proh-BAYR-duh. Probably, and I should have asked before trying.
B

Ik waardeer het dat je er eerlijk over bent in plaats van het te verbergen.

ick vahr-DAYR ut dut yuh ur AIR-lik OH-vur bent in PLAHTS vahn ut tuh vur-BER-khun. I appreciate you being upfront instead of hiding it.
A

Ik kan een reparatie regelen of het zaagblad vervangen.

ick kun un ray-pah-RAH-tsee RAY-khuh-lun of ut ZAHKH-blahd vur-VANG-un. I can arrange a repair or replace the blade.
B

Het zaagblad vervangen zou genoeg moeten zijn.

ut ZAHKH-blahd vur-VANG-un zow khuh-NOOKH MOO-tun zine. Replacing the blade should be enough.
A

Ik zorg daar vandaag voor.

ick zorkh dahr vahn-DAHKH voor. I will take care of that today.
B

Laat me weten wanneer het zaagblad vervangen is, voordat je de zaag terugbrengt.

laht muh VAY-tun vun-NAYR ut ZAHKH-blahd vur-VANG-un iss, vohr-DAHT yuh duh ZAHKH tuh-RUHKH-brengkt. Tell me when it is replaced before you bring the saw back.

Word by Word

Ik “Ik” means “I” and is the speaker of the sentence “Ik moet eerlijk zijn over de zaag die ik heb geleend.” It is used as the subject when talking about yourself; a reusable pattern is “Ik + verb”.
moet “Moet” expresses necessity in “Ik moet eerlijk zijn”: the speaker needs to be honest. It is a form of moeten, and a reusable pattern is “moet + infinitive” for something that must or needs to happen.
eerlijk In “eerlijk zijn over de zaag”, “eerlijk” means honest and describes the speaker’s attitude toward the saw. A reusable pattern is “eerlijk zijn over iets” when speaking openly about a subject.
zijn “Zijn” means “be” in “Ik moet eerlijk zijn” and completes the expression for needing to be honest. It is the infinitive used after “moet”; a reusable pattern is “moet ... zijn” for a required state.
over “Over” means “about” in “eerlijk zijn over de zaag”, introducing the subject the speaker is being honest about. A reusable pattern is “eerlijk zijn over + onderwerp” when discussing something openly.
de “De” is the definite article in “de zaag”, referring to the specific saw that was borrowed. A reusable pattern is “de + noun” when the listener can identify the thing being mentioned.
zaag “Zaag” means saw in “de zaag die ik heb geleend”, the tool that was borrowed and later returned. A reusable pattern is “een zaag gebruiken” when talking about using this tool.
die “Die” introduces the clause “die ik heb geleend” and identifies which saw is meant. A reusable pattern is “de ... die ...” for specifying a particular thing.
heb “Heb” helps form the completed borrowing event in “ik heb geleend”. It is a form of hebben, and a reusable pattern is “ik heb + participle” for an action connected with the present situation.
geleend “Geleend” means borrowed in “ik heb geleend”, describing the saw that the speaker took temporarily. It is related to the citation form lenen; a reusable pattern is “iets geleend hebben” for having borrowed something.
Kun “Kun” asks about ability in “Kun je uitleggen wat er is gebeurd?” and makes the request polite and direct. It is a form of kunnen; a reusable pattern is “Kun je + infinitive?” when asking someone to do something.
je “Je” means “you” in “Kun je uitleggen”, referring to the person being asked for an explanation. A reusable pattern is “Kun je ...?” when addressing someone directly.
uitleggen “Uitleggen” means explain in “Kun je uitleggen wat er is gebeurd?” and names the requested action. It is used as an infinitive after “kun”; a reusable pattern is “iets uitleggen” or “uitleggen wat ...” when asking for clarification.
wat “Wat” means “what” and introduces the content of the requested explanation in “wat er is gebeurd”. A reusable pattern is “uitleggen wat ...” when asking someone to explain an event or situation.
er In “wat er is gebeurd”, “er” is part of the Dutch construction referring to what happened rather than a separate literal object. A reusable pattern is “wat er is gebeurd” when asking about an event.
is “Is” is a form of zijn used in “wat er is gebeurd” to help express what has happened, and in “wanneer het zaagblad vervangen is” to complete the statement about the blade. A reusable pattern is “is gebeurd” for an event that has happened.
gebeurd “Gebeurd” means happened in “wat er is gebeurd”, referring to the damage-producing event. It is related to the citation form gebeuren and combines with “is” in a completed-event construction.
Het “Het” is the definite article in “Het zaagblad”, referring to the specific blade of the saw. A reusable pattern is “het + noun” when referring to an identified thing.
zaagblad “Zaagblad” means saw blade, the part that was damaged and needs replacement. It is the specific component named in “Het zaagblad raakte beschadigd”; a reusable pattern is “een zaagblad vervangen” when changing this part.
raakte “Raakte” describes the change into a damaged state in “raakte beschadigd”. It is a form of raken, and the pattern “raakte + description” can describe something becoming or getting into a condition.
beschadigd “Beschadigd” means damaged in “raakte beschadigd”, describing the condition of the blade after cutting the wood. A reusable pattern is “beschadigd raken” for something becoming damaged.
toen “Toen” means when or while and connects the damage with the activity in “toen ik dik hout aan het zagen was”. A reusable pattern is “toen + clause” when placing a past event in time.
dik “Dik” means thick in “dik hout”, describing the wood that was being cut. A reusable pattern is “dik + noun” when describing the thickness of a material or object.
hout “Hout” means wood in “dik hout”, the material being cut with the saw. A reusable pattern is “hout zagen” when talking about sawing wood.
aan In “aan het zagen”, “aan” is part of the construction that presents the cutting as an activity in progress. A reusable pattern is “aan het + infinitive” for an action someone is engaged in.
zagen “Zagen” means sawing or cutting with a saw in “aan het zagen”. It is the infinitive used in the ongoing-activity construction; a reusable pattern is “aan het zagen zijn” for being in the middle of sawing.
was “Was” is a form of zijn. In “aan het zagen was” it places the ongoing sawing in the past, while sentence-initial “Was het hout te dik voor die zaag?” asks a past question about the wood; the citation form is zijn.
te “Te” means “too” in “te dik voor die zaag”, showing that the wood exceeded what was suitable for the saw. A reusable pattern is “te + adjective” when describing an excessive degree.
voor “Voor” means “for” in “te dik voor die zaag”, indicating the saw for which the wood was too thick. A reusable pattern is “te + adjective + voor + object” when judging suitability.
Waarschijnlijk “Waarschijnlijk” means probably in “Waarschijnlijk wel”, giving a cautious answer about whether the wood was too thick. A reusable pattern is “waarschijnlijk + statement” when something is likely but not certain.
wel “Wel” confirms the implied answer in “Waarschijnlijk wel”, meaning probably so or probably yes. A reusable pattern is “... wel” as a short confirmation when the full statement is already understood.
en “En” means and and connects the likely explanation with the speaker’s admission in “Waarschijnlijk wel, en ik had het moeten vragen”. A reusable pattern is “statement en statement” for linking related information.
had “Had” helps express the missed earlier obligation in “had het moeten vragen”. It is a form of hebben; a reusable pattern is “had ... moeten + infinitive” for something that should have happened earlier.
moeten In “had het moeten vragen”, “moeten” expresses what the speaker should have done: ask before trying. A reusable pattern is “moeten + infinitive” for obligation, including the completed pattern “had ... moeten + infinitive” for a past obligation.
vragen “Vragen” means ask in “het moeten vragen”, referring to asking before attempting the task. A reusable pattern is “iets vragen” when requesting information or permission.
voordat “Voordat” means before and introduces the earlier point in “voordat ik het probeerde”. A reusable pattern is “voordat + clause” when one action must be placed before another.
probeerde “Probeerde” means tried in “ik het probeerde”, referring to the attempt to cut the wood. It is a form of proberen; a reusable pattern is “iets proberen” when attempting an action.
waardeer “Waardeer” means appreciate in “Ik waardeer het dat je er eerlijk over bent”, expressing gratitude for the other person’s honesty. It is a form of waarderen; a reusable pattern is “Ik waardeer het dat ...” when acknowledging someone’s action or attitude.
dat “Dat” introduces the content of the appreciation in “Ik waardeer het dat je er eerlijk over bent”. A reusable pattern is “Ik waardeer het dat + clause” when explaining what you appreciate.
bent “Bent” means are in “dat je er eerlijk over bent”, describing the other person as being honest about it. It is a form of zijn used with “je”; a reusable pattern is “je bent + description”.
in plaats van “In plaats van” means instead of in “in plaats van het te verbergen”, contrasting being honest with hiding the damage. The fixed expression contains “in”, “plaats”, and “van”; together they introduce the alternative action, while the following phrase here is “het te verbergen”. A reusable pattern is “in plaats van + action” when choosing one action rather than another.
verbergen “Verbergen” means hide in “het te verbergen”, referring to concealing the damage. It is the infinitive after “te”; a reusable pattern is “iets verbergen” when keeping something out of sight or undisclosed.
kan “Kan” expresses ability or an available option in “Ik kan een reparatie regelen of het zaagblad vervangen”. It is a form of kunnen; a reusable pattern is “kan + infinitive” for saying what someone is able or willing to do.
een “Een” means a or an in “een reparatie”, introducing one repair without identifying a particular repair service or procedure. A reusable pattern is “een + singular noun” when introducing one non-specific thing.
reparatie “Reparatie” means repair in “een reparatie regelen”, referring to fixing the damaged tool or blade. A reusable pattern is “een reparatie regelen” when organizing a repair.
regelen “Regelen” means arrange in “een reparatie regelen”, so the speaker offers to organize the repair. A reusable pattern is “iets regelen” when taking responsibility for making something happen.
of “Of” means or and connects the two options in “een reparatie regelen of het zaagblad vervangen”. A reusable pattern is “option one of option two” when presenting alternatives.
vervangen “Vervangen” means replace in “het zaagblad vervangen” and names the proposed action of putting in a new blade. The same form is used as the action in “Het zaagblad vervangen zou genoeg moeten zijn”; a reusable pattern is “iets vervangen” when changing one thing for another.
zou “Zou” presents the replacement as an expected or sufficient solution in “zou genoeg moeten zijn”. It is a form of zullen; a reusable pattern is “zou ... moeten zijn” when expressing what should be sufficient or expected.
genoeg “Genoeg” means enough in “genoeg moeten zijn”, saying that replacing the blade should solve the problem. A reusable pattern is “genoeg zijn” when something meets the required amount or standard.
zorg “Zorg” means take care of in “Ik zorg daar vandaag voor”, where the speaker promises to handle the replacement or repair. It is a form of zorgen; a reusable pattern is “voor iets zorgen” for taking responsibility for something.
daar In “Ik zorg daar vandaag voor”, “daar” refers to the repair or replacement just discussed. Together with “voor”, it forms the pattern “daar ... voor zorgen”, used when taking care of a matter already known from the conversation.
vandaag “Vandaag” means today and sets the time for the promised action in “Ik zorg daar vandaag voor”. A reusable pattern is “vandaag + action” when stating that something will happen on the current day.
Laat “Laat” means let in the request “Laat me weten wanneer het zaagblad vervangen is”, which functions as “tell me”. It is a form of laten; a reusable pattern is “Laat me weten ...” when asking someone to inform you.
me “Me” means me in “Laat me weten”, identifying the person who should receive the information. A reusable pattern is “Laat me weten + information” when asking someone to keep you informed.
weten “Weten” means know in the fixed request “Laat me weten wanneer het zaagblad vervangen is”, meaning to inform the speaker. A reusable pattern is “iemand iets laten weten” when passing information to someone.
wanneer “Wanneer” means when and introduces the time condition in “wanneer het zaagblad vervangen is”. A reusable pattern is “wanneer + clause” when asking about or specifying the time of an event.
terugbrengt “Terugbrengt” means brings back or returns in “voordat je de zaag terugbrengt”, referring to returning the saw after the blade has been replaced. It is a form of terugbrengen; a reusable pattern is “iets terugbrengen” when returning an object.

Grammar Points

in plaats van + te + infinitief

In plaats van de zaag te verbergen, zorg ik voor reparatie.

in PLAHTS vahn duh ZAHKH tuh vur-BER-khun, zorkh ick voor ray-pah-RAH-tsee.

Instead of hiding the saw, I will arrange a repair.

Na ‘in plaats van’ gebruik je te + infinitief wanneer je een andere handeling beschrijft.

voordat + bijzin

Laat me weten voordat je de zaag terugbrengt.

laht muh VAY-tun vohr-DAHT yuh duh ZAHKH tuh-RUHKH-brengkt.

Let me know before you bring back the saw.

Na ‘voordat’ staat het vervoegde werkwoord aan het einde van de bijzin.

Dutch Vocabulary

beschadigd adj
buh-SKHAH-dikht damaged
dik adj
dik thick
eerlijk adj
AIR-lik honest
gebeuren verb
khuh-BUR-un happen gebeurd
hout noun
howt wood
lenen verb
LAY-nun borrow geleend
raken verb
RAH-khun get; become raakte
uitleggen verb
OYT-LEKH-uhn explain
waarschijnlijk adv
VAHR-skheyn-lik probably
zaag noun
ZAHKH saw
zaagblad noun
ZAHKH-blahd saw blade
zagen verb
ZAH-khun saw

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

I will take care of that today.

Show AnswerIk zorg daar vandaag voor.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

saw

Show Answerzaag

happen

Show Answergebeurd

damaged

Show Answerbeschadigd

borrow

Show Answergeleend