Troubleshooting a printer problem | Learn Dutch in English

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Use Troubleshooting a printer problem to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

De printer blijft mijn bestand weigeren, hoewel het formaat wordt ondersteund.

duh PRIN-ter blayft mine buh-STAHNT VAY-khuh-run, HOO-wul hut for-MAHT vohrt on-der-STURNT. The printer keeps rejecting my file, although the format is supported.

Heb je gecontroleerd of het document te grote afbeeldingen bevat?

HEP yuh khuh-kon-troh-LAYRT off hut doh-kyoo-MENT tuh GROHT-tuh AHF-bayl-ding-un buh-VAHT? Have you checked whether the document contains oversized images?

Dat is mogelijk, aangezien de presentatie verschillende gedetailleerde grafieken bevat.

daht iss MOH-khuh-luk, ahn-guh-ZAYN duh preh-zen-TAH-tsee vur-SKHIL-un-duh khuh-deh-TIE-layr-duh KHRAH-fee-kun buh-VAHT. That is possible, since the presentation includes several detailed charts.

Als we ze comprimeren, helpt dat misschien zonder de visuele kwaliteit te schaden.

ahls wuh zuh kom-pruh-MAY-run, helpt daht muh-SKHEEN zohn-dur duh vee-ZOO-ul kwah-lee-TAYT tuh SKHAH-dun. Compressing them may help without damaging the visual quality.

Dat heb ik liever dan de hele presentatie opnieuw op te bouwen.

daht hep ik LEE-vur dahn duh HAY-luh preh-zen-TAH-tsee op-NEE-oo op tuh BOW-un. I would prefer that to rebuilding the entire deck.

Stuur het via de gedeelde map.

STUHR hut vee-ah duh khuh-DAYL-duh MAHP. Send it through the shared folder.

Ik kan het vanuit mijn account testen.

ik kahn hut vah-NOWT mine uh-KOWNT TES-tun. I can test it from my account.

Zo hoef ik niet op goed geluk instellingen uit te proberen.

zoh hoof ik neet op KHOOT khuh-LUK IN-stel-ing-un OYT tuh proh-BAY-run. That saves me from guessing at random settings.

Zodra het is afgedrukt, moeten we de oplossing voor anderen documenteren.

ZOH-drah hut iss AHF-drukt, MOO-tun wuh duh OP-loh-sing vohr AHN-dur-un doh-kyoo-men-TAY-run. Once it prints, we should document the fix for others.

Word by Word

De “De” means “the” and introduces “De printer” at the beginning of the sentence. The same definite article appears before several other nouns, such as “de presentatie” and “de gedeelde map”.

printer “printer” means the printer that is rejecting the file. It is used as the subject in “De printer blijft mijn bestand weigeren.” You can reuse “de printer” when discussing a printer in a workplace or at home.

blijft “blijft” means “keeps” or “continues” in “blijft mijn bestand weigeren.” It shows that the rejecting continues rather than happening only once. A useful pattern is “blijft” followed by an action, such as “blijft weigeren”.

mijn “mijn” means “my” and shows that the file belongs to or is associated with the speaker. Here it comes directly before “bestand” in “mijn bestand.” Use “mijn” before something you are identifying as yours.

bestand “bestand” means “file,” specifically the file being sent to the printer. It is the object of “mijn” in “mijn bestand.” You can use “bestand” when discussing a digital file that is opened, sent, or printed.

weigeren “weigeren” means “to reject” in the printer problem. It appears after “blijft” in “blijft mijn bestand weigeren,” so the printer continues rejecting the file. A reusable pattern is “iets weigeren,” with the rejected item in the object position.

hoewel “hoewel” means “although” and introduces information that contrasts with the printer’s rejection: the format is supported. It begins the subordinate clause “hoewel het formaat wordt ondersteund.” Use “hoewel” to acknowledge an unexpected opposing fact.

het “het” has two functions in this dialogue: it means “the” in “het formaat” and “it” in “het is afgedrukt.” In “het formaat,” it comes before a noun; in “het is afgedrukt,” it refers to the file. The surrounding words show which function is intended.

formaat “formaat” means “format,” referring to the file format accepted by the printer. It is the subject of “wordt ondersteund” in “het formaat wordt ondersteund.” Use “formaat” when discussing the technical type or layout of a file.

wordt “wordt” helps form the passive expression “wordt ondersteund,” meaning that the format is supported. The format is presented as receiving the support rather than performing an action. This pattern is useful when describing whether a system supports a format or feature.

ondersteund “ondersteund” means “supported” in “het formaat wordt ondersteund.” Together with “wordt,” it describes a format that the printer accepts as supported. Use “ondersteund” after a system or service is described as supporting a format, feature, or function.

Heb “Heb” means “have” in the question “Heb je gecontroleerd of ...?” and the same form appears lowercase in “Dat heb ik liever.” In the question, it helps ask whether the checking has been done; in the second sentence, it is part of “dat heb ik liever.” The capitalization changes with sentence position, not the basic word.

je “je” means “you” in “Heb je gecontroleerd ...?” and refers to the colleague being asked about the document. It appears after the question word “Heb.” Use “je” when addressing one person informally.

gecontroleerd “gecontroleerd” means “checked” in “Heb je gecontroleerd of ...?” It names the checking that the speaker asks whether the colleague has completed. A useful pattern is “iets gecontroleerd” when asking whether something has been checked.

of “of” means “whether” in “gecontroleerd of het document ...” and introduces the matter being checked. It connects the checking action with a subordinate question. Use “of” in this sense when asking whether a condition is true.

document “document” means “document,” referring to the file that may contain oversized images. It is the subject of “bevat” in “het document ... bevat.” Use “document” for a digital or physical document being examined.

te “te” means “too” in “te grote afbeeldingen,” so the images are larger than suitable for the situation. It comes directly before the adjective “grote.” Use “te” before an adjective to describe something as excessively large, long, expensive, or similar.

grote “grote” means “large” in “te grote afbeeldingen.” Together with “te,” it describes images whose size may be causing the printer problem. A useful pattern is “te grote” followed by the thing that is too large.

afbeeldingen “afbeeldingen” means “images” and refers to the visual elements contained in the document. It is the object of “bevat” in “het document te grote afbeeldingen bevat.” Use “afbeeldingen” when discussing pictures or other visual files inside a document.

bevat “bevat” means “contains” in “het document ... bevat.” It identifies the document as having oversized images inside it. A reusable pattern is “iets bevat” followed by the content that is included.

Dat “Dat” means “that” in “Dat is mogelijk,” referring to the possibility just suggested. The same word appears lowercase in “Dat heb ik liever” when the sentence begins with it. Use “dat” to point back to an idea, possibility, or thing already mentioned.

is “is” means “is” in “Dat is mogelijk,” where it links the earlier possibility with “mogelijk.” It also appears in “het is afgedrukt,” where it helps describe the file’s printed result. Use “is” to identify something or describe its state.

mogelijk “mogelijk” means “possible” in “Dat is mogelijk.” It shows that the explanation involving large images is plausible, without stating that it is certain. Use “mogelijk” when discussing an option, explanation, or outcome that may be true.

aangezien “aangezien” means “since” or “given that” in “aangezien de presentatie ... bevat.” It introduces the reason why the suggested explanation is possible. Use “aangezien” before a clause that provides a known or accepted reason.

presentatie “presentatie” means “presentation,” referring to the document with several detailed charts. It is the subject of “bevat” in “de presentatie ... bevat.” Use “presentatie” when discussing slides or material prepared for an audience.

verschillende “verschillende” means “several” in “verschillende gedetailleerde grafieken,” indicating more than one chart. Here it describes the number of charts in the presentation. It can also describe things as different when the context makes that meaning clear.

gedetailleerde “gedetailleerde” means “detailed” and describes the charts in “gedetailleerde grafieken.” It indicates that the charts contain substantial visual information, which may contribute to their size. Use it before a noun when emphasizing the amount of detail.

grafieken “grafieken” means “charts” or “graphs,” the detailed visual elements in the presentation. It is the content that the presentation contains. Use “grafieken” when referring to visual displays of data or other information.

Als “Als” means “if” in “Als we ze comprimeren,” introducing a possible action and its result. It sets up the condition under which compressing the images may help. Use “als” before a condition or possible situation.

we “we” means “we” in “Als we ze comprimeren,” referring to both colleagues. It is the subject of “comprimeren.” Use “we” when the speaker includes themselves and at least one other person.

ze “ze” means “them” in “we ze comprimeren” and refers back to the images. It is the object of “comprimeren.” Use “ze” to refer to multiple people or things already identified in the conversation.

comprimeren “comprimeren” means “to compress,” referring to reducing the size of the images. It follows “we” in the conditional clause “Als we ze comprimeren.” Use it when reducing the size of a digital file or image while trying to retain its usefulness.

helpt “helpt” means “helps” in “helpt dat misschien,” referring to whether compressing the images will solve or improve the printer problem. The subject is “dat,” meaning the proposed compression. Use “helpt” when an action may improve a situation or solve a problem.

misschien “misschien” means “maybe” or “perhaps” in “helpt dat misschien.” It makes the suggestion tentative because the colleagues have not tested it yet. Use “misschien” when proposing a possible explanation or solution without certainty.

zonder “zonder” means “without” in “zonder de visuele kwaliteit te schaden.” It introduces something that should not happen while the images are compressed. Use “zonder” before an action or noun to describe what is avoided.

visuele “visuele” means “visual” in “de visuele kwaliteit.” It specifies that the quality being protected is the appearance of the images. Use it before a noun related to what can be seen.

kwaliteit “kwaliteit” means “quality,” here referring to the visual quality of the images. It is the object of “schaden” in “de visuele kwaliteit te schaden.” Use “kwaliteit” when evaluating how good or well-preserved something is.

schaden “schaden” means “to damage” or “to harm” in “de visuele kwaliteit te schaden.” It appears after “te” in the construction “zonder ... te schaden,” describing an unwanted result that compression should avoid. Use this pattern to say that an action is done without harming something.

ik “ik” means “I” in “Dat heb ik liever,” where the speaker states their preference. The capitalized form “Ik” also appears at the beginning of “Ik kan het vanuit mijn account testen.” Use “ik” as the subject when referring to yourself.

liever “liever” means “rather” or “preferably” in “Dat heb ik liever dan ...” The speaker prefers compressing the images to rebuilding the entire presentation. A useful pattern is “iets liever hebben dan iets anders” when expressing a preference.

dan “dan” means “than” in “liever dan de hele presentatie opnieuw op te bouwen.” It introduces the alternative that the speaker prefers less. Use “dan” after a comparison or preference such as “liever.”

hele “hele” means “entire” or “whole” in “de hele presentatie.” It emphasizes that rebuilding would involve the presentation from beginning to end. Use “de hele” before a noun when referring to something in its entirety.

op “op” is part of “op te bouwen” in “de hele presentatie opnieuw op te bouwen,” expressing the building or reconstruction action. It stays separated from “bouwen” by “te” in this infinitive construction. Keep the pattern “op te bouwen” when describing the action of rebuilding something.

bouwen “bouwen” means “to build” in “op te bouwen,” which here refers to rebuilding the entire presentation. It follows “te” in the infinitive construction “op te bouwen.” The object can come before this phrase, as in “de hele presentatie opnieuw op te bouwen.”

Stuur “Stuur” means “send” in the instruction “Stuur het via de gedeelde map.” It is a direct request to send the file through the shared folder. Use “Stuur” at the beginning of a direct instruction to one person.

via “via” means “through” or “by way of” in “via de gedeelde map.” It identifies the route used to send the file. Use “via” before a communication channel, system, folder, or route.

gedeelde “gedeelde” means “shared” in “de gedeelde map,” describing a folder that both colleagues can use. It comes before “map” and identifies the folder’s shared access. Use it before a noun when something is available to more than one person.

map “map” means “folder,” specifically the shared folder through which the file should be sent. It appears in “de gedeelde map.” Use “map” when referring to a location that organizes digital files.

kan “kan” means “can” in “Ik kan het vanuit mijn account testen,” expressing the colleague’s ability or possibility to test the file. It is followed by “testen.” Use “kan” before an action when stating that someone is able or permitted to do it.

vanuit “vanuit” means “from” in “vanuit mijn account,” identifying the account used as the starting point for the test. It combines the idea of origin with a position or system. Use “vanuit” before an account, location, or perspective when describing where an action is carried out from.

account “account” means “account,” referring to the colleague’s user account. It is the object of “mijn” in “mijn account.” Use “account” when referring to a user identity or access point in a digital service.

testen “testen” means “to test” in “kan ... testen,” referring to checking whether the file prints from another account. It follows the modal verb “kan.” Use “iets testen” when checking how a file, device, or process works.

Zo “Zo” means “that way” or “in this way” in “Zo hoef ik niet ...” It refers to testing the file from the colleague’s account and introduces the benefit for the speaker. Use “zo” to connect an action with the result or advantage it creates.

hoef “hoef” means “need to” in “hoef ik niet ... te proberen,” so the speaker does not need to try settings randomly. It appears with “niet” and “te” around the following action. A useful pattern is “hoef ik niet te” followed by an action that is unnecessary.

niet “niet” means “not” in “hoef ik niet ... te proberen.” It negates the need to try the settings at random. Use “niet” to negate an action, condition, or necessity.

op goed geluk “op goed geluk” is the expression “at random” or “by guesswork” in “op goed geluk instellingen uit te proberen.” The components work together: “op” introduces the manner, while “goed geluk” expresses reliance on luck. It commonly appears before an action when someone acts without a definite method.

instellingen “instellingen” means “settings,” referring to the printer or file options the speaker might otherwise try randomly. It is the object of “uit te proberen” in “instellingen uit te proberen.” Use “instellingen” when adjusting the options that control a device or application.

uit “uit” is part of “uit te proberen” in “instellingen uit te proberen,” expressing the idea of trying something out. It is separated from “proberen” by “te” in this infinitive construction. Use the pattern “iets uit te proberen” when describing an option or method that someone tests.

proberen “proberen” means “to try” in “instellingen uit te proberen.” Together with “uit,” it refers to testing settings as possible solutions. Use “proberen” with an object when saying what someone attempts to do.

Zodra “Zodra” means “once” or “as soon as” in “Zodra het is afgedrukt.” It introduces the point at which the colleagues should document the solution. Use “zodra” before an event that triggers a following action.

afgedrukt “afgedrukt” means “printed” in “het is afgedrukt.” Together with “is,” it describes the file as having reached the printed state. Use “is afgedrukt” when referring to a document that has successfully been printed.

moeten “moeten” means “must” or “should” in “moeten we ... documenteren,” expressing the colleagues’ obligation or recommendation to record the solution. It is followed by “documenteren.” Use “moeten” before an action when it is necessary or advisable to do it.

oplossing “oplossing” means “solution” or “fix,” referring to the method that solves the printer problem. It is the object of “documenteren” in “de oplossing ... documenteren.” Use “oplossing” when referring to a way of resolving a technical or practical problem.

voor “voor” means “for” in “de oplossing voor anderen.” It identifies the people who should benefit from or use the documented solution. Use “voor” before the intended recipient or audience of information.

anderen “anderen” means “others,” referring to people besides the two colleagues. It follows “voor” in “voor anderen” and identifies the intended users of the documentation. Use “voor anderen” when information is prepared for people who are not part of the current exchange.

documenteren “documenteren” means “to document,” meaning to record the solution so that others can use it later. It follows “moeten we” in “moeten we de oplossing voor anderen documenteren.” Use “iets documenteren” when recording a process, fix, or explanation for future reference.

Grammar Points

hoewel + bijzin: de persoonsvorm staat achteraan

Hoewel het formaat te groot is, weigert de printer het document.

HOO-wul hut for-MAHT tuh GROHT iss, VAY-khuhRT duh PRIN-ter hut doh-kyoo-MENT.

Although the format is too large, the printer rejects the document.

In a subordinate clause with hoewel, the conjugated verb usually comes at the end: te groot is.

Dutch Vocabulary

afbeelding noun

AHF-bayl-ding image

bestand noun

buh-STAHNT file

bevatten verb

buh-VAH-tun to contain bevat

controleren verb

kon-troh-LAY-run to check gecontroleerd

document noun

doh-kyoo-MENT document

formaat noun

for-MAHT format

hoewel conj

HOO-wul although

mogelijk adj

MOH-khuh-luk possible

ondersteunen verb

on-der-STUR-nun to support ondersteund

printer noun

PRIN-ter printer

te groot adj

tuh GROHT too large te grote

weigeren verb

VAY-khuh-run to reject

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Send it through the shared folder.

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Stuur het via de gedeelde map.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to support

Show Answer

ondersteund

printer

Show Answer

printer

format

Show Answer

formaat

to reject

Show Answer

weigeren