Describing a Possible Heating Problem | Learn Dutch in English

About This Lesson

Use Describing a Possible Heating Problem to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

De verwarming gaat aan, maar de kamer wordt nooit behaaglijk.

duh ver-WAHR-ming khaht ahn, mahr duh KAH-mer vort noht buh-HAHK-luk. The heating switches on, but the room never becomes comfortable.

De thermostaat werkt misschien wel, terwijl de radiatorkraan vast blijft zitten.

duh ter-moh-STAHT werkt muh-SKHEEN vel, TER-vyle duh rah-dee-ah-TOR-krahn vahst blayft ZIT-tun. The thermostat may be working, while the radiator valve remains stuck.

Daar vroeg ik me ook over af, omdat de leiding bij de muur warm aanvoelt.

DAHR vrook ik muh ohk OH-vur ahf, OHM-daht duh LAY-ding bay duh MEWR vahrm AHN-voolt. I wondered about that, because the pipe feels warm near the wall.

Dan ligt het probleem waarschijnlijk bij de circulatie en niet bij de stroom.

DAHN likht ut proh-BLAYM vahr-SKHYN-luk bay duh sir-kyoo-LAH-tsee en neet bay duh strohm. Then the problem is probably circulation rather than power.

Zou een monteur dit kunnen controleren zonder elke kamer binnen te gaan?

ZOW un mon-TEWR dit KUN-nun kon-troh-LAY-run ZON-dur AY-kuh KAH-mer BIN-nuh tuh khahn? Could a technician check it without entering every room?

De monteur heeft misschien toegang nodig om de temperaturen in het appartement met elkaar te vergelijken.

duh mon-TEWR hayft muh-SKHEEN TOO-khahnk NOH-dikh om duh tem-puh-rah-TEWR-un in ut ah-par-tuh-MENT met EL-kahr tuh vur-GHAY-khun. They may need access to compare temperatures across the apartment.

Ik kan dat regelen als de monteur het redelijk van tevoren laat weten.

ik kahn daht RAY-khuh-lun ahls duh mon-TEWR ut RAY-duh-luk vahn tuh-VOH-run laht VAY-tun. I can arrange that if they give reasonable notice.

We moeten om een duidelijk tijdvak vragen voordat we het bevestigen.

vuh MOO-dun om un DOW-duh-luk TAYT-vahk VRAH-khun VOHR-daht vuh ut buh-VES-ti-khun. We should request a clear time window before we confirm.

Word by Word

De “De” is the definite article meaning “the” in “De verwarming” and “De thermostaat”. It is used before a definite noun, for example when discussing a known heating system. New example: “de deur” means “the door”.

verwarming “Verwarming” means the heating system in this apartment. In “De verwarming gaat aan”, it is the system that switches on. You can use it when reporting a problem with heating at home. New example: “De verwarming werkt niet” means “The heating does not work”.

gaat In “gaat aan”, “gaat” contributes the idea of going or starting, while “aan” gives the meaning “switches on”. This is a common way to describe a device starting. New example: “Het licht gaat aan” means “The light switches on”.

aan In “gaat aan”, “aan” indicates the on-state of the heating. Together with a verb such as gaan, it describes something switching on. New example: “De lamp staat aan” means “The lamp is on”.

maar “Maar” means “but” and contrasts the heating switching on with the room not becoming comfortable. It connects two statements with an unexpected or limiting relationship. New example: “Het werkt, maar het is langzaam” means “It works, but it is slow”.

kamer “Kamer” means “room”, specifically the room whose temperature remains uncomfortable. It commonly appears with a place or temperature description. New example: “de kamer is koud” means “the room is cold”.

wordt “Wordt” means “becomes” in “de kamer wordt nooit behaaglijk”. It describes a change into a state, here becoming pleasantly warm and comfortable. New example: “De kamer wordt warmer” means “The room becomes warmer”.

nooit “Nooit” means “never” and says that the room does not become comfortable at any time. It is placed with the verb phrase to express a complete absence of the event. You can use it when describing a recurring problem that has not happened once.

behaaglijk “Behaaglijk” describes a pleasantly warm and comfortable feeling, here referring to the room. It is used after “wordt” to name the state the room should reach. New example: “Het is behaaglijk binnen” means “It is pleasantly comfortable indoors”.

thermostaat “Thermostaat” means “thermostat”, the device that controls or regulates heating. In “De thermostaat werkt misschien wel”, it is the device that may still be functioning. You can use it when discussing temperature control in a home. New example: “De thermostaat staat hoog” means “The thermostat is set high”.

werkt “Werkt” means “works” or “is functioning” in “De thermostaat werkt misschien wel”. It describes whether the thermostat is operating, even though another part may have a problem. New example: “De afstandsbediening werkt niet” means “The remote control does not work”.

misschien “Misschien” means “perhaps” and makes the statement about the thermostat uncertain. It is useful when proposing a possible explanation rather than stating a fact. New example: “Misschien komt hij later” means “Perhaps he will come later”.

wel In “werkt misschien wel”, “wel” adds an affirmative or contrasting nuance: the thermostat may in fact be working. Together with “misschien”, it presents this as one possible explanation. You can use “misschien wel” when acknowledging a possibility while remaining uncertain.

terwijl “Terwijl” means “while” and introduces the simultaneous fact that the radiator valve remains stuck. It starts a subordinate clause, in which the verb phrase comes at the end, as in “vast blijft zitten”. New example: “Hij leest terwijl zij kookt” means “He reads while she cooks”.

radiatorkraan “Radiatorkraan” means “radiator valve”, the valve that controls the radiator. In the dialogue, this is the part that remains stuck even though the thermostat may work. You can use it when describing a specific heating component to a technician.

vast “Vast” means “stuck” in “vast blijft zitten”; it says that the radiator valve cannot move freely. Together with “blijft zitten”, it describes a continuing stuck state. New example: “De knop zit vast” means “The knob is stuck”.

blijft “Blijft” means “remains” or “continues” in “vast blijft zitten”. It shows that the stuck condition continues rather than being momentary. New example: “Het probleem blijft bestaan” means “The problem remains”.

zitten In “vast blijft zitten”, “zitten” describes remaining in a fixed position rather than literally sitting. The combination with “vast” explains that the radiator valve is stuck in place. New example: “De deur zit dicht” means “The door is closed”.

Daar “Daar” refers back to the possible explanation just mentioned and means “about that” in “Daar vroeg ik me ook over af”. It points to an earlier matter instead of naming it again. You can use it to refer back to a previously discussed point.

vroeg “Vroeg” means “wondered” in “vroeg ik me ook over af”. It is the past form of vragen used in the expression for wondering about something. New example: “Ik vroeg me af of hij kwam” means “I wondered whether he was coming”.

ik “Ik” means “I” and identifies the speaker as the person who wondered about the explanation. It is the subject of “vroeg”. New example: “Ik begrijp het” means “I understand it”.

me “Me” refers back to the speaker in “vroeg ik me ook over af”. Together with “vroeg ... af”, it forms the expression for wondering about something. New example: “Ik vraag me dat af” means “I wonder about that”.

ook “Ook” means “also” or “too” and shows that the speaker had the same question or thought as the other person. It adds this idea to the preceding discussion. New example: “Ik kom ook” means “I am coming too”.

over In “Daar vroeg ik me ook over af”, “over” links the wondering expression to the topic being considered. Together with “me ... afvragen”, it is used to wonder about something. New example: “Ik vraag me iets over het probleem af” means “I wonder something about the problem”.

af “Af” is the separable particle in “vroeg ik me ook over af”, completing the expression meaning “wondered about”. It moves to the end of the clause in this word order. New example: “Ik vraag me af waarom” means “I wonder why”.

omdat “Omdat” means “because” and introduces the reason the speaker wondered about the issue: the pipe feels warm near the wall. It introduces a subordinate clause with the verb phrase at the end, as in “warm aanvoelt”. New example: “Ik blijf thuis omdat ik ziek ben” means “I stay home because I am ill”.

leiding “Leiding” means “pipe” in this heating context. It is the pipe that feels warm near the wall and provides evidence about the possible problem. You can use it when describing a heating or water installation to a technician.

bij “Bij” means “near” in “bij de muur” and locates the pipe close to the wall. It commonly introduces a nearby place or position. New example: “De stoel staat bij het raam” means “The chair is near the window”.

muur “Muur” means “wall” and is the reference point for the pipe’s location in “bij de muur”. It is used here after the preposition “bij”. New example: “Er staat een kast tegen de muur” means “There is a cupboard against the wall”.

warm “Warm” means “warm” and describes how the pipe feels to the touch. In “warm aanvoelt”, it is the quality experienced from the pipe. New example: “Het water is warm” means “The water is warm”.

aanvoelt “Aanvoelt” means “feels” in “de leiding ... warm aanvoelt”, describing a sensation rather than only the pipe’s measured temperature. It is the verb phrase at the end of the subordinate clause introduced by “omdat”. New example: “De muur voelt koud aan” means “The wall feels cold”.

Dan “Dan” means “then” and introduces the conclusion drawn from the warm pipe. It connects the new diagnosis to the preceding observation. New example: “Dan is de oorzaak waarschijnlijk anders” means “Then the cause is probably different”.

ligt “Ligt” means “lies” or “is located” in “ligt het probleem bij de circulatie”. This expression identifies the area responsible for a problem. New example: “De oorzaak ligt bij de kabel” means “The cause lies with the cable”.

het “Het” is the definite article before “probleem” in “het probleem”. Here it means “the”, not “it”. It is used when the problem is already identified in the discussion.

probleem “Probleem” means “problem” and refers to the heating fault being diagnosed. In “ligt het probleem bij...”, it is the issue whose likely source is being identified. New example: “We moeten het probleem oplossen” means “We must solve the problem”.

waarschijnlijk “Waarschijnlijk” means “probably” and presents circulation as the likely cause without claiming certainty. It is useful when giving a technical assessment based on limited evidence. New example: “Hij komt waarschijnlijk morgen” means “He will probably come tomorrow”.

circulatie “Circulatie” means “circulation” or flow within the heating system. In “bij de circulatie”, it names the part of the system where the problem may be located. You can use it when discussing how heat or water moves through an installation.

en “En” means “and” and links the possible circulation problem with the contrasting phrase “niet bij de stroom”. It joins two related parts of the diagnosis. New example: “warmte en water” means “heat and water”.

niet “Niet” means “not” and excludes the electricity as the likely location of the problem in “en niet bij de stroom”. It is useful for denying or contrasting a possible explanation. New example: “Het probleem zit niet daar” means “The problem is not there”.

stroom “Stroom” means “electricity” or “power” in this heating context. It is the alternative possible source that the speaker says is probably not responsible. You can use it when discussing whether an appliance receives electricity.

Zou “Zou” makes the question “Zou een monteur ... kunnen controleren?” polite and tentative, meaning “Could a technician...?”. It is useful when asking about a possible action without making a direct demand. New example: “Zou je me kunnen helpen?” means “Could you help me?”.

een “Een” means “a” or “an” and introduces one unspecified technician in “een monteur”. It is used before a singular countable noun when the person has not yet been identified. New example: “een afspraak” means “an appointment”.

monteur “Monteur” means “technician”, here the person who may inspect the heating. It is used for someone who repairs or checks technical equipment. New example: “De monteur komt morgen” means “The technician is coming tomorrow”.

dit “Dit” means “this” or “it” and refers to the heating problem being discussed in “dit kunnen controleren”. It is the thing the technician may check. You can use it to point to a specific issue already under discussion.

kunnen “Kunnen” means “can” or “be able to” and follows “zou” in the polite question. Together with “controleren”, it asks whether checking is possible. New example: “Kunnen we morgen beginnen?” means “Can we start tomorrow?”.

controleren “Controleren” means “check” or “inspect” and describes the technician’s proposed action. It follows the modal verb “kunnen” in the infinitive. New example: “De monteur moet de ketel controleren” means “The technician must check the boiler”.

zonder “Zonder” means “without” and introduces the action that might be avoided: entering every room. It commonly appears before a noun or an infinitive construction. New example: “zonder te wachten” means “without waiting”.

elke “Elke” means “every” or “each” and refers to the rooms one by one in “elke kamer”. It is used before a singular noun to cover all members of a group individually. New example: “elke dag” means “every day”.

binnen In “binnen te gaan”, “binnen” contributes the meaning of going inside. Together with “gaan”, it describes entering the rooms. New example: “De kinderen gaan naar binnen” means “The children go inside”.

te “Te” marks the infinitive construction “binnen te gaan” after “zonder”. The pattern zonder te + infinitive describes an action that does not happen. New example: “Zonder te bellen kwam hij binnen” means “He came in without calling”.

gaan In “binnen te gaan”, “gaan” means “go”, and with “binnen” it means “enter” or “go inside”. It is the infinitive after “te”. New example: “Ik moet naar binnen gaan” means “I have to go inside”.

heeft In “toegang nodig heeft”, “heeft” is part of the construction hebben ... nodig, which means “needs”. The full construction says that the technician requires access. New example: “Ik heb meer tijd nodig” means “I need more time”.

toegang “Toegang” means “access”, here access to the apartment or its rooms. It is the thing the technician may need in “toegang nodig heeft”. New example: “De monteur heeft toegang tot de kelder nodig” means “The technician needs access to the basement”.

nodig “Nodig” means “needed” or “necessary” in “toegang nodig heeft”. Together with hebben, it identifies something required for an action. New example: “We hebben een sleutel nodig” means “We need a key”.

om “Om” introduces the purpose clause “om de temperaturen ... te vergelijken”, meaning “in order to compare the temperatures”. The reusable pattern is om + ... + te + infinitive. New example: “Ik bel om een afspraak te maken” means “I call in order to make an appointment”.

temperaturen “Temperaturen” means “temperatures” and is the object being compared across the apartment. The plural refers to readings or conditions in multiple rooms. You can use it when discussing whether rooms are equally warm.

in “In” means “in” and places the temperatures within “het appartement”. It introduces the area where the comparison is made. New example: “De temperatuur in de kamer is laag” means “The temperature in the room is low”.

appartement “Appartement” means “apartment” and identifies the home whose room temperatures will be compared. It follows “in” in “in het appartement”. New example: “We wonen in een appartement” means “We live in an apartment”.

met In “met elkaar vergelijken”, “met” contributes the meaning “with” and links the things being compared. Together with “elkaar”, it expresses comparison with one another. New example: “Vergelijk deze twee foto’s met elkaar” means “Compare these two photos with each other”.

elkaar “Elkaar” means “each other” in “met elkaar te vergelijken”. It makes the comparison reciprocal between the different temperatures. You can use it in expressions describing mutual actions or comparisons.

vergelijken “Vergelijken” means “compare” and describes examining the temperatures against one another. It follows “te” in the purpose construction. New example: “We vergelijken de twee offertes” means “We compare the two quotations”.

kan “Kan” means “can” and expresses the speaker’s ability to arrange access in “kan dat regelen”. It is followed by the infinitive “regelen”. New example: “Ik kan morgen komen” means “I can come tomorrow”.

regelen “Regelen” means “arrange” or “organize”, here arranging the technician’s access. It follows “kan” as an infinitive. New example: “Ik regel een afspraak” means “I arrange an appointment”.

als “Als” means “if” and introduces the condition for arranging access: the technician must give notice in advance. It introduces a conditional clause. New example: “Ik kom als je belt” means “I will come if you call”.

redelijk “Redelijk” means “reasonable” in “redelijk van tevoren” and indicates that the notice should be given a sufficient, fair amount of time beforehand. It modifies the time expression rather than describing the technician. You can use “redelijk van tevoren” when setting a practical notice expectation.

van tevoren “Van tevoren” is the complete expression meaning “in advance” or “beforehand”. The components “van” and “tevoren” work together as this fixed time expression. New example: “Laat het van tevoren weten” means “Let me know in advance”.

laat In “laat ... weten”, “laat” is part of the expression meaning “lets someone know” or “informs”. Together with “weten”, it describes giving information, here about the appointment time. New example: “Laat het me morgen weten” means “Let me know tomorrow”.

weten In “laat weten”, “weten” contributes the idea of knowing, while the full expression means “let someone know” or “inform”. It is used when passing information to another person. New example: “Ik laat je de tijd weten” means “I will let you know the time”.

We “We” means “we” and identifies both speakers as the people who should request a time window. It is the subject of “moeten”. New example: “We wachten buiten” means “We are waiting outside”.

moeten “Moeten” means “must” or “should” and expresses the recommendation to request a clear time window. It is followed by the infinitive “vragen”. New example: “We moeten vertrekken” means “We must leave”.

duidelijk “Duidelijk” means “clear” and describes a time window whose limits are understandable. It comes before “tijdvak” as a description of the appointment information. New example: “een duidelijke afspraak” means “a clear appointment”.

tijdvak “Tijdvak” means “time window” or “time slot”, here the period during which the technician can come. It is the requested information before confirming the visit. You can use it when an appointment has a range rather than one exact time.

vragen “Vragen” means “ask” or “request” in “om een duidelijk tijdvak vragen”. The construction vragen om + something means to ask for something. New example: “Ik vraag om meer informatie” means “I ask for more information”.

voordat “Voordat” means “before” and places confirmation after the request for a clear time window. It introduces the subordinate clause “voordat we het bevestigen”. New example: “Bel me voordat je vertrekt” means “Call me before you leave”.

bevestigen “Bevestigen” means “confirm” in “we het bevestigen”, referring to confirming the appointment or arrangement. It is the verb at the end of the subordinate clause introduced by “voordat”. New example: “Ik wil de afspraak bevestigen” means “I want to confirm the appointment”.

Grammar Points

aangaan: gaat ... aan

De verwarming gaat aan.

duh ver-WAHR-ming khaht ahn.

The heating switches on.

This separable verb splits in a main clause: the form gaat appears before the subject’s complement, and aan goes to the end.

zich afvragen: vroeg ... me ... af

Daar vroeg ik me ook over af.

DAHR vrook ik muh ohk OH-vur ahf.

I wondered about that too.

This reflexive separable verb splits in a main clause: vroeg ... af, with me as the reflexive pronoun.

Dutch Vocabulary

aangaan verb

AHNG-khahn to switch on gaat aan

De verwarming gaat aan.

aanvoelen verb

AHN-voo-lun to feel aanvoelt

de leiding voelt warm aan

behaaglijk adj

buh-HAHK-luk comfortable

de kamer wordt nooit behaaglijk

kamer noun

KAH-mer room

de kamer wordt nooit behaaglijk

leiding noun

LAY-ding pipe

de leiding bij de muur

muur noun

MEWR wall

bij de muur

radiatorkraan noun

rah-dee-ah-TOR-krahn radiator valve

de radiatorkraan vast blijft zitten

thermostaat noun

ter-moh-STAHT thermostat

De thermostaat werkt misschien wel.

vast blijven zitten phrase

vahst BLAY-vun ZIT-tun to remain stuck vast blijft zitten

de radiatorkraan vast blijft zitten

verwarming noun

ver-WAHR-ming heating

De verwarming gaat aan.

werken verb

WER-kun to work werkt

De thermostaat werkt misschien wel.

zich afvragen verb

zikh AHF-vrah-khun to wonder vroeg ik me ook over af

Daar vroeg ik me ook over af.

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

room

Show Answer

kamer

to work

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werkt

comfortable

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behaaglijk

thermostat

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thermostaat