Solving a Plant Care Problem | Learn Dutch in English

About This Lesson

Use Solving a Plant Care Problem to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Mijn plant verwelkt, ook al geef ik hem vaak water.

myn PLAHNT ver-WELKT, OHK AHL KHAYF ik hem VAHK WAH-ter. My plant is wilting, even though I water it often.

Misschien krijgt hij te veel water in plaats van te weinig.

mis-SKHEEN KRYKHT hay tuh VAYL WAH-ter in PLAHTS vahn tuh VAY-nikh. It may have too much water rather than too little.

Ik dacht dat meer water hem zou helpen herstellen.

ik DAHKHT daht MAYR WAH-ter hem zow HEL-puhn her-STEL-luhn. I thought more water would help it recover.

Controleer de drainage en laat de aarde een beetje opdrogen.

kon-troh-LAYR duh DRAH-nah-zhuh en LAHT duh AHR-duh uhn BAY-tyuh OHP-droh-khun. Check the drainage and let the soil dry a little.

De pot heeft geen gat aan de onderkant, en dat kan het probleem zijn.

duh POT HAYFT KHAYN KHAHT ahn duh ON-der-kahnt, en daht kahn ut proh-BLAYM zine. The pot has no hole at the bottom, which may be the problem.

Wortels kunnen last krijgen als water nergens heen kan.

WOR-tuls KUN-nuhn LAHST KRY-khun ahls WAH-ter NER-khuns HAYN kahn. Roots can suffer when water has nowhere to escape.

Moet ik hem ook dichter bij het raam zetten?

MOOT ik hem OHK DIKH-ter bay ut RAHM ZET-tuhn? Should I move it closer to the window too?

Probeer één ding tegelijk te veranderen, zodat je kunt zien wat helpt.

proh-BAYR AYN DING tuh-KHAY-lake tuh ver-AN-der-un, zoh-DAHT yuh kunt ZEEN vaht helpt. Try changing one thing at a time so you can tell what helps.

Dan verpot ik hem en geef ik hem deze week minder water.

dahn ver-POT ik hem en KHAYF ik hem DAY-zuh VAYK MIN-der WAH-ter. Then I will repot it and water it less this week.

Planten verzorgen gaat vooral om goed kijken en kleine aanpassingen doen.

PLAHN-tun ver-ZOR-khun KHAHT voh-RAHL om KHOOT KAY-khun en KLAY-nuh ahn-PAH-sing-uhn DOON. Plant care is mostly observation and small adjustments.

Word by Word

Mijn Here, 'Mijn' means “my” and shows that the plant belongs to or is associated with the speaker. It comes directly before the noun it describes, as in 'Mijn plant'. A speaker uses it when identifying something connected to them.

plant Here, 'plant' means a plant, the living thing being discussed. It is the noun after 'Mijn' in 'Mijn plant'. You can use it when talking about caring for, moving, or observing a plant.

verwelkt Here, 'verwelkt' means “is wilting,” describing the plant's unhealthy condition. The citation form is verwelken, and 'verwelkt' is the form used in this statement about the plant. Use it when reporting that a plant or flower is losing freshness.

ook al The whole expression 'ook al' means “even though” and introduces a fact that does not prevent the main situation. In it, 'ook' contributes “also/even” and 'al' contributes “already,” but together they form the concessive expression. It is useful when contrasting an action with an unexpected result.

geef Here, 'geef' means “give” in the expression 'geef ik hem vaak water'. The citation form is geven, and this is the form used with ik. It can be reused when saying that you give someone or something an object or substance.

ik Here, 'ik' means “I” and identifies the person who gives the plant water. It is the subject in 'geef ik hem vaak water'. Use it when speaking about your own action or opinion.

hem Here, 'hem' means “him” or “it,” referring to the plant as the receiver of the water. It appears after the verb in 'geef ik hem vaak water'. It is used as the object when an action is directed toward a person or a referred-to object.

vaak Here, 'vaak' means “often” and describes the frequency of watering. It modifies the action in 'geef ik hem vaak water'. Use it with an action to say that something happens regularly or many times.

water Here, 'water' means water, the substance given to the plant. In 'geef ik hem vaak water', it is what the plant receives. You can use it when discussing how much or how often a plant should receive water.

Misschien Here, 'Misschien' means “maybe” and introduces a possible explanation rather than a certain claim. It appears at the beginning of 'Misschien krijgt hij te veel water'. Use it when offering a cautious suggestion or possibility.

krijgt Here, 'krijgt' means “gets” or “receives,” referring to the amount of water the plant receives. The citation form is krijgen, and 'krijgt' is the form used with hij. It can be reused when describing what a person, plant, or object receives.

hij Here, 'hij' means “he” or “it” and refers back to the plant. It is the subject of 'krijgt hij te veel water'. Dutch uses this pronoun here to continue talking about the plant without repeating the noun.

te Here, 'te' means “too” and marks an excessive amount in 'te veel water'. It combines with a quantity or description to show that something exceeds a suitable level. Use it before an amount when saying that there is more than wanted or needed.

veel Here, 'veel' means “much” or “a lot,” referring to the amount of water. Together with 'te', it forms 'te veel water', meaning more water than is suitable. Use it with an uncounted substance or quantity when describing a large amount.

in plaats van The whole expression 'in plaats van' means “instead of” or “rather than” and contrasts two possibilities: too much water and too little. Inside it, 'in' means “in,” 'plaats' means “place,” and 'van' means “of,” but the complete expression carries the contrast. Use it before the alternative that is being rejected or replaced.

weinig Here, 'weinig' means “little” or “not much,” referring to a small amount of water. In 'in plaats van te weinig', it is contrasted with 'te veel'. Use it with an uncounted substance or quantity when the amount is small.

dacht Here, 'dacht' means “thought” and reports the speaker's earlier belief. The citation form is denken, and 'dacht' is the form used for that completed thought. Use it when explaining what you believed before learning or noticing something else.

dat Here, 'dat' means “that” and introduces the content of the thought: 'meer water hem zou helpen herstellen'. It links the reporting verb to a following clause. Use it after verbs such as thinking or believing when introducing what was thought or believed.

meer Here, 'meer' means “more,” referring to a larger amount of water than before or than needed. It appears before 'water' in 'meer water'. Use it to compare an amount with another amount or with a previous level.

zou Here, 'zou' contributes “would” in the thought that more water would help the plant recover. It is a form of zullen used with the infinitive 'helpen' to present the imagined or expected result. Use this pattern when describing what someone thought would happen.

helpen Here, 'helpen' means “help” and describes the assistance that more water was expected to provide. It follows 'zou' in 'zou helpen' and remains in this infinitive form. Use it before an action or result that receives help.

herstellen Here, 'herstellen' means “recover” and describes the plant returning to a healthier condition. It follows 'helpen' in 'helpen herstellen'. Use it when talking about recovery from a problem, damage, or unhealthy condition.

Controleer Here, 'Controleer' means “check” and gives direct advice to inspect the drainage. The citation form is controleren, and this is its direct-command form in the dialogue. Use it when telling someone to examine a specific thing.

de Here, 'de' means “the” in 'de drainage' and identifies a specific drainage system or feature. It comes before the noun it determines. Use it before a known or specific noun that takes this article.

drainage Here, 'drainage' means drainage, the way excess water can leave the pot. It is the object of 'Controleer'. Use it when discussing water flow and removal from soil or a container.

en Here, 'en' means “and” and joins the advice to check the drainage with the advice to let the soil dry. It connects two coordinated actions in the sentence. Use it to link related words, phrases, or instructions.

laat Here, 'laat' means “let” in the instruction 'laat de aarde een beetje opdrogen'. The citation form is laten, and this is the command form used to tell someone to allow a process to happen. It is commonly followed by an object and an action that the object is allowed to perform.

aarde Here, 'aarde' means “soil” or “earth,” specifically the material in the plant pot. It is the object that is allowed to dry in 'laat de aarde een beetje opdrogen'. Use it when discussing the growing medium around a plant.

een Here, 'een' means “a” in 'een beetje', introducing a small amount. In this expression it is not presenting a separate countable object but forms part of the quantity phrase. Use it before a noun or quantity expression when referring to an unspecified amount or thing.

beetje Here, 'beetje' means “a little,” indicating that the soil should dry only somewhat. It appears in the quantity expression 'een beetje'. Use it when asking for or describing a small amount or degree.

opdrogen Here, 'opdrogen' means “dry out,” describing the soil losing some moisture. It follows 'laat' in 'laat de aarde een beetje opdrogen'. Use it for a substance or surface that becomes dry over time.

pot Here, 'pot' means “pot,” the container holding the plant. It is the subject of 'De pot heeft geen gat'. Use it when talking about the container used for a plant or another object.

heeft Here, 'heeft' means “has” and states that the pot possesses or contains a hole—or, in this case, does not have one. The citation form is hebben, and 'heeft' is the form used with 'De pot'. Use it to describe possession or a feature that something has.

geen Here, 'geen' means “no” or “not any” and negates the noun 'gat' in 'geen gat'. It says that the pot has zero holes at the bottom. Use it before a noun when denying the presence or existence of something.

gat Here, 'gat' means “hole,” specifically the opening needed at the bottom of the pot. It is the noun negated by 'geen'. Use it when describing an opening in a container, surface, or object.

aan Here, 'aan' contributes “at” or “on” in the location phrase 'aan de onderkant'. It links the hole to the bottom surface of the pot. Use it with a location when identifying where something is positioned on or at a surface.

onderkant Here, 'onderkant' means “bottom” or “underside,” referring to the lower part of the pot. It appears in 'aan de onderkant'. Use it when specifying the lowest side or surface of an object.

kan Here, 'kan' means “can” or “may” and presents the possibility that the missing hole is the problem. The citation form is kunnen, and 'kan' is the form used with 'dat'. Use it to express ability or a possible situation.

het Here, 'het' means “the” in 'het probleem', referring to the specific problem being discussed. It comes before the noun 'probleem'. Use it before a specific noun that takes this article.

probleem Here, 'probleem' means “problem,” namely the possible cause of the plant's condition. It follows 'het' in 'het probleem'. Use it when naming a difficulty that needs attention or a solution.

zijn Here, 'zijn' means “be” and completes the possibility 'kan het probleem zijn'. The citation form is zijn, and it remains in this infinitive form after 'kan'. Use it after a modal verb when identifying what something may be.

Wortels Here, 'Wortels' means “roots,” the parts of the plant affected by trapped water. The citation form is wortel, and this is its plural form at the beginning of the sentence. Use it when discussing the underground parts of plants and their condition.

kunnen Here, 'kunnen' means “can” and expresses a possible effect on the roots. The citation form is kunnen, and this form is used with the plural subject 'Wortels'. Use it before an infinitive or expression to describe ability or possibility.

last Here, 'last' means “trouble” or “discomfort” in the expression 'last krijgen'. It does not refer to a physical object; the whole expression says that the roots may suffer. Use it with 'krijgen' when describing experiencing a problem or discomfort.

krijgen Here, 'krijgen' contributes “get” in the expression 'last krijgen', meaning to experience trouble. It follows 'kunnen' and therefore stays in the infinitive form. Use this construction when someone or something begins to experience a difficulty.

als Here, 'als' means “if” and introduces the condition that water cannot go anywhere. It links the condition to the possible effect on the roots. Use it to introduce a situation on which another result depends.

nergens Here, 'nergens' means “nowhere,” saying that there is no place for the water to go. It appears in the directional phrase 'nergens heen'. Use it when stating that something is not located or does not go to any place.

heen Here, 'heen' contributes direction in 'nergens heen kan', meaning “to anywhere” or “somewhere to go.” Together with 'nergens', it describes the lack of an available destination for the water. Use it with a destination or directional expression when focusing on where something can go.

Moet Here, 'Moet' means “must” or “should” and asks whether moving the plant is advisable. The citation form is moeten, and this is the form used at the beginning of the question with ik. Use it to ask about necessity, obligation, or recommended action.

ook Here, 'ook' means “also” or “too,” adding moving the plant closer to the window to the other possible changes. It appears before 'dichter bij het raam'. Use it when adding another action, person, or item to something already mentioned.

dichter Here, 'dichter' means “closer,” describing a position nearer to the window than before. The citation form is dicht, and 'dichter' is the comparative form used for a change in distance. Use it when comparing two positions or distances.

bij Here, 'bij' means “near” or “by” in the location phrase 'bij het raam'. It identifies the window as the reference point for the plant's position. Use it before a place or object when saying that something is nearby.

raam Here, 'raam' means “window,” the reference point for moving the plant. It appears after 'bij' in 'bij het raam'. Use it when discussing light, views, or the position of something in a room.

zetten Here, 'zetten' means “put” or “place,” describing moving the plant into a position closer to the window. It follows 'Moet ik' and stays in the infinitive form. Use it when placing an object somewhere, especially when the action changes its position.

Probeer Here, 'Probeer' means “try” and introduces practical advice. The citation form is proberen, and this is its command form in 'Probeer één ding tegelijk te veranderen'. Use it when encouraging someone to attempt an action.

één Here, 'één' means “one” and emphasizes that only a single thing should be changed at a time. It modifies 'ding' in 'één ding'. Use it when specifying one item or one action rather than several.

ding Here, 'ding' means “thing,” referring to one change in the plant-care process. It appears in the phrase 'één ding tegelijk'. Use it as a general noun for an item, action, or matter being discussed.

tegelijk Here, 'tegelijk' means “at the same time,” and with 'één ding' it advises making changes one by one. It describes the timing of the changes. Use it when talking about actions that happen simultaneously or, with a negative or limiting phrase, should not happen simultaneously.

veranderen Here, 'veranderen' means “change,” referring to altering one aspect of the plant's care. It follows 'te' in 'te veranderen'. Use it for modifying a condition, plan, habit, or object.

zodat Here, 'zodat' means “so that” and introduces the purpose or intended result of changing one thing at a time. It connects the controlled experiment with being able to identify what helps. Use it to link an action to its intended consequence.

je Here, 'je' means “you” and identifies the person who can observe the result. It is the subject in 'zodat je kunt zien'. Use it when addressing one person informally or referring to someone in a general, direct way.

kunt Here, 'kunt' means “can” and expresses that the listener is able to determine what helps. The citation form is kunnen, and 'kunt' is the form used with je. Use it before an infinitive to describe someone's ability or possibility.

zien Here, 'zien' means “see” and, in context, means recognize or tell which change is helpful. It follows 'kunt' and remains in the infinitive form. Use it when referring to noticing information or identifying a result.

wat Here, 'wat' means “what” and introduces the thing that helps. In 'wat helpt', it refers to the unknown action or change whose effect can be identified. Use it to introduce an unknown thing or answer within a clause.

helpt Here, 'helpt' means “helps,” referring to the change that improves the plant's condition. The citation form is helpen, and 'helpt' is the form used in 'wat helpt'. Use it when saying that a person, action, or thing provides useful assistance.

Dan Here, 'Dan' means “then” and marks the next action after the advice about changing one thing at a time. It introduces the speaker's plan in 'Dan verpot ik hem'. Use it to connect a condition, decision, or previous step with what happens next.

verpot Here, 'verpot' means “repot,” referring to moving the plant into a different pot. The citation form is verpotten, and this form is used with ik after sentence-initial 'Dan'. Use it when describing the action of putting a plant into a new or more suitable pot.

deze Here, 'deze' means “this” and identifies the particular week being discussed. It comes before 'week' in 'deze week'. Use it to point to a specific nearby time, person, or thing.

week Here, 'week' means “week,” the period during which the speaker plans to water the plant less. It appears in the time phrase 'deze week'. Use it when setting a plan or event within a seven-day period.

minder Here, 'minder' means “less,” referring to a reduced amount of water. It appears in 'geef ik hem deze week minder water'. Use it when comparing an amount with a previous or expected amount and indicating a reduction.

Planten Here, 'Planten' means “plants,” referring to plants in general rather than only the one discussed. The citation form is plant, and this is the plural form at the beginning of the sentence. Use it when making a general statement about plants.

verzorgen Here, 'verzorgen' means “care for,” describing the ongoing actions needed to look after plants. It follows 'Planten' in 'Planten verzorgen'. Use it with a person, animal, or thing that receives regular care.

gaat Here, 'gaat' contributes “is about” in the construction 'gaat vooral om'. The citation form is gaan, and this is the form used with the singular subject 'Planten verzorgen'. Use this construction to state the main content or focus of an activity.

vooral Here, 'vooral' means “mostly” or “mainly,” emphasizing that observation and small adjustments are the chief parts of plant care. It appears before 'om'. Use it when highlighting the most important part of a larger set of activities.

om Here, 'om' completes the construction 'gaat vooral om', meaning “is mainly about.” It introduces the activities that define plant care in this sentence. Use it after a phrase describing what something is about, followed by the relevant activity or topic.

goed Here, 'goed' means “well” or “carefully,” describing how the looking should be done. It modifies 'kijken' in 'goed kijken'. Use it before an action to indicate that the action should be done thoroughly or properly.

kijken Here, 'kijken' means “look” or “observe,” referring to carefully watching the plant and its condition. It appears in the activity phrase 'goed kijken'. Use it when gathering information by looking at something attentively.

kleine Here, 'kleine' means “small,” describing adjustments that are limited rather than major changes. The citation form is klein, and 'kleine' is the form used before the plural noun 'aanpassingen'. Use it to describe changes or objects of limited size or extent.

aanpassingen Here, 'aanpassingen' means “adjustments,” referring to small changes in plant care. The citation form is aanpassing, and this is its plural form. Use it when discussing measured changes made to improve a situation or make something work better.

doen Here, 'doen' means “do” or “make,” completing 'kleine aanpassingen doen', meaning to make small adjustments. It stays in the infinitive form after 'om'. Use it with actions or adjustments that someone carries out.

Grammar Points

laat + infinitief zonder te

Laat de aarde opdrogen.

LAHT duh AHR-duh OHP-droh-khun.

Let the soil dry out.

After laat, use the infinitive without te: laat ... opdrogen.

ook al + bijzin

Ook al geef ik vaak water, de plant verwelkt.

OHK AHL KHAYF ik VAHK WAH-ter, duh PLAHNT ver-WELKT.

Even though I often give water, the plant is wilting.

Ook al introduces a subordinate clause and expresses a contrast with the main clause.

Dutch Vocabulary

dacht verb

DAHKHT thought

geef verb

KHAYF give; water

in plaats van prep

in PLAHTS vahn instead of; rather than

krijgt verb

KRYKHT gets; receives

meer det

MAYR more

misschien adv

mis-SKHEEN perhaps; maybe

ook al conj

OHK AHL even though

plant noun

PLAHNT plant

Mijn plant

te veel det

tuh VAYL too much

te weinig phrase

tuh VAY-nikh too little

vaak adv

VAHK often

verwelkt verb

ver-WELKT is wilting

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

is wilting

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verwelkt

give; water

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geef

plant

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plant

perhaps; maybe

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misschien