Verifying an unexpected maintenance visitor | Learn Dutch in English

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Use Verifying an unexpected maintenance visitor to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Eerder klopte iemand aan en zei dat die hier was om de ventilatie te inspecteren.

AYR-der KLOP-tuh EE-munt ahn en zay dat dee heer vahs om duh ven-tee-LAH-tsee tuh in-speck-TAY-run. Someone knocked earlier and said they were here to inspect the ventilation.

Bezoeken van de onderhoudsdienst worden meestal via het gebouwsysteem aangekondigd.

buh-ZOO-kun vahn duh ON-der-howts-deenst VOR-dun MAY-stal VEE-ah ut guh-BOW-sis-TAYM AHN-guh-KON-dikht. Maintenance visits are usually announced through the building system.

Dat maakte me voorzichtig, dus liet ik die persoon niet binnen.

Dat MAAK-tuh muh VOR-ZIKH-tikh, doos leet ik dee per-SOHN neet bih-NEN. That made me cautious, so I did not let them in.

Dat was een goede beslissing. Eerst moet worden gecontroleerd of die persoon bevoegd is om binnen te komen.

Dat vahs un GOO-duh buh-SLIS-sing. Ayrst moot VOR-dun guh-kon-troh-LAYRT of dee per-SOHN buh-VOOKHT iss om bih-NEN tuh KOH-mun. That was the right call. Their authorization to enter should be verified first.

Kun je controleren of er echt een inspectie gepland staat?

KUN yuh kon-troh-LAY-run of ur EKHT un in-SPEK-tsee guh-PLAHNT staht? Could you check whether an inspection is actually scheduled?

Ik controleer de gegevens en stuur je via het portaal een bericht.

Ik kon-troh-LAYR duh guh-GAY-vuns en styoor yuh VEE-ah ut por-TAHL un buh-RIKHT. I will check the records and send you a message through the portal.

Ik wil het liever weten voordat iemand terugkomt.

Ik vil ut LEE-vur VAY-tun vohr-DAHT EE-munt tuh-RUK-kohmt. I would rather know before anyone comes back.

Laat niemand binnen zolang het niet bevestigd is, tenzij je die persoon verwachtte.

Laht NEE-mant bih-NEN soh-LAHNG ut neet buh-VEST-ikht iss, ten-ZAY yuh dee per-SOHN vur-VAKHT-tuh. Until it is confirmed, do not let anyone in unless you were expecting them.

Word by Word

Eerder “Eerder” means earlier and places the knocking before the current conversation. In “Eerder klopte iemand aan”, it is a time adverb at the start of the sentence. Use it when referring to something that happened at an earlier time.

klopte “Klopte” means knocked in this dialogue. Together with “klopte iemand aan”, it describes someone knocking at the door. It is useful when reporting a completed action that happened earlier.

iemand “Iemand” means someone or an unspecified person here. In “klopte iemand aan”, it is the person who knocked. Use it when you do not identify the person or do not know who they are.

aan In “klopte iemand aan”, “aan” completes the expression for knocking at a door; it does not mean “at” by itself here. This separable part appears with the verb in the dialogue. Use the full expression when describing someone knocking.

en “En” means and and links the knocking with what the person said. In “klopte iemand aan en zei”, it connects two actions by the same person. Use it to join related words, phrases, or actions.

zei “Zei” means said in this dialogue. In “zei dat”, it introduces the information that the person gave. Use it when reporting what someone said.

dat “Dat” introduces the reported information after “zei” in “zei dat die hier was”. The capitalized form “Dat” in “Dat maakte me voorzichtig” means that and refers back to the earlier situation. Use it either to introduce reported information or to refer back to something already mentioned.

die “Die” refers to that person in “die hier was” and “die persoon”. It identifies the person who claimed to be there. Use it to refer back to a particular person or thing already understood from the context.

hier “Hier” means here, referring to the location of the speaker. In “die hier was”, it describes where the person claimed to be. Use it to point to the speaker’s current location.

was “Was” means was in “die hier was om de ventilatie te inspecteren”. It describes the person’s claimed presence at that location. Use it when reporting where someone was in relation to a past situation.

om In “om de ventilatie te inspecteren”, “om” introduces the purpose of being there: to inspect the ventilation. It works together with “te inspecteren” to express an intended action. Use this construction to explain why someone is somewhere or does something.

de “De” means the in “de ventilatie”. It marks the ventilation as a specific thing being inspected. Use it before a definite noun when referring to something identifiable in the situation.

ventilatie “Ventilatie” means ventilation, the system or process being inspected. In “de ventilatie”, it is the specific object of the inspection. Use it when discussing air circulation or a building’s ventilation.

te In “te inspecteren”, “te” marks the infinitive that follows “om”. Together, “om ... te inspecteren” expresses the purpose of the visit. Use it in a purpose construction with an infinitive.

inspecteren “Inspecteren” means to inspect or examine carefully. In “de ventilatie te inspecteren”, it is the action the visitor claimed to be there to perform. Use it for checking the condition of equipment, a place, or a system.

Bezoeken “Bezoeken” means visits in “Bezoeken van de onderhoudsdienst”. It refers to visits made by the maintenance service. Use it when discussing scheduled or repeated visits.

van “Van” links “Bezoeken” to “de onderhoudsdienst” in “Bezoeken van de onderhoudsdienst”. Here it shows who the visits are associated with. Use it to connect a noun with its source, owner, or associated person or organization.

onderhoudsdienst “Onderhoudsdienst” means maintenance service. In “de onderhoudsdienst”, it identifies the service responsible for maintenance visits. Use it for a building or organization’s maintenance team or service.

worden In “worden meestal via het gebouwsysteem aangekondigd”, “worden” helps form the passive meaning that the visits are announced. The visits receive the action rather than performing it. Use this construction when the announcement is more important than the person making it.

meestal “Meestal” means usually and indicates what normally happens. In “worden meestal ... aangekondigd”, it describes the usual method of announcing maintenance visits. Use it for a general rule that has exceptions.

via “Via” means through or by means of in “via het gebouwsysteem”. It identifies the channel used for the announcement. Use it with a system, route, service, or communication channel.

het “Het” means the in “het gebouwsysteem”. It marks one specific building system as the communication channel. Use it before a definite noun when referring to an identifiable thing.

gebouwsysteem “Gebouwsysteem” means building system. In “het gebouwsysteem”, it is the system through which maintenance visits are announced. Use it when referring to a building’s organized communication or management system.

aangekondigd “Aangekondigd” means announced in “worden ... aangekondigd”. It describes information being formally communicated in advance. Use it with visits, events, or changes that are communicated beforehand.

maakte “Maakte” means made in “Dat maakte me voorzichtig”. The situation caused the speaker to become cautious. Use the pattern “maakte me” when something caused a change in your state or reaction.

me “Me” means me in “maakte me voorzichtig”. It identifies the speaker as the person affected by the situation. Use it after a verb when the speaker is the person receiving the effect of the action.

voorzichtig “Voorzichtig” means cautious or careful in “maakte me voorzichtig”. It describes the speaker’s careful reaction to an unexpected visitor. Use it when someone acts carefully because there may be a risk or uncertainty.

dus “Dus” means so or therefore and introduces the consequence in “dus liet ik die persoon niet binnen”. The speaker did not allow entry because the situation made them cautious. Use it to connect a reason with its result.

liet “Liet” means let or allowed in “liet ik die persoon niet binnen”. With “binnen”, it describes allowing someone to enter, and “niet” reverses that action. Use the full pattern when explaining whether someone was allowed inside.

ik “Ik” means I and identifies the speaker as the person making the decision in “liet ik die persoon niet binnen”. The lowercase form “ik” appears in the same sentence, while “Ik” begins “Ik controleer de gegevens”. Use it to state what the speaker does, thinks, or decides.

persoon “Persoon” means person in “die persoon”. It refers to the unexpected visitor without naming them. Use it when referring neutrally to an individual.

niet “Niet” means not and negates the action in “liet ik die persoon niet binnen”. It shows that the person was not allowed to enter. Use it to make a verb phrase or statement negative.

binnen “Binnen” means inside or in in “niet binnen” and “binnen te komen”. With “liet ... binnen”, it describes allowing someone into a place. Use it when talking about entering or allowing entry.

een “Een” means a in “een goede beslissing”. It introduces one decision that is described as good. Use it before a singular, non-specific noun.

goede “Goede” means good and describes “beslissing” in “een goede beslissing”. Here it also conveys that the decision was the right one. Use it before a noun to give a positive evaluation.

beslissing “Beslissing” means decision in “een goede beslissing”. It refers to the choice not to let the unexpected visitor inside. Use it when discussing a choice made after considering a situation.

Eerst “Eerst” means first and sets the required order in “Eerst moet worden gecontroleerd”. Verification must happen before entry. Use it to mark the first step in a sequence.

moet “Moet” expresses must or should in “Eerst moet worden gecontroleerd”. It shows that verification is required before allowing entry. Use it to state an obligation or necessary step.

gecontroleerd “Gecontroleerd” means checked or verified in “moet worden gecontroleerd”. It refers to checking whether the person is authorized to enter. Use it when records, information, or a person’s status need verification.

of “Of” means whether in “of die persoon bevoegd is om binnen te komen”. It introduces the question being checked: whether the person has authorization. Use it after verbs such as checking or asking when introducing an indirect yes-or-no question.

bevoegd “Bevoegd” means authorized in “die persoon bevoegd is om binnen te komen”. It describes whether the person has permission to enter. Use it when discussing someone’s official authority or permission to do something.

is “Is” means is in “die persoon bevoegd is om binnen te komen”. It links the person with the description “bevoegd”. Use it to state a current condition, status, or identity.

komen In “binnen te komen”, “komen” means come, with “binnen” giving the meaning enter or come inside. It is the action the person is authorized to perform. Use this expression when discussing entry into a place.

Kun “Kun” means can or could in the request “Kun je controleren”. It asks whether the other person is able and willing to check something. Use it to make a practical request to one person.

je “Je” means you in “Kun je controleren”. It identifies the person being asked to check the schedule. Use it when addressing one person directly in this kind of request.

controleren “Controleren” means check or verify in “Kun je controleren”. It refers to examining the records or schedule to confirm the inspection. Use it with information, records, appointments, or details that need checking.

er “Er” appears in “of er echt een inspectie gepland staat” as part of the construction introducing whether an inspection exists or is scheduled. It is not a reference to a particular physical place here. Use it in similar statements about something being present, available, or scheduled.

echt “Echt” means really or actually in “er echt een inspectie gepland staat”. It emphasizes that the speaker wants confirmation of the actual schedule. Use it when checking whether something is genuinely the case.

inspectie “Inspectie” means inspection. In “een inspectie gepland staat”, it is the appointment whose existence and timing are being checked. Use it for an official or careful examination of a place, system, or condition.

gepland “Gepland” means scheduled or planned in “gepland staat”. It describes an inspection that has been entered into the schedule. Use it when referring to an arranged event or appointment.

staat In “een inspectie gepland staat”, “staat” combines with “gepland” to express that an inspection is scheduled. The whole construction means that the inspection appears on the schedule. Use this expression when checking whether an event or appointment is arranged.

gegevens “Gegevens” means records or data in “Ik controleer de gegevens”. It refers to the information used to verify the visitor’s appointment or authorization. Use it for stored information, records, or details that can be checked.

controleer “Controleer” means check in “Ik controleer de gegevens”. It states that the speaker will check the records. Use it with an object such as information or records when saying that you are verifying something.

stuur “Stuur” means send in “stuur je via het portaal een bericht”. It describes sending a message to the other person through the portal. Use it when communicating something to a recipient through a specified channel.

portaal “Portaal” means portal in “via het portaal”. It is the online channel through which the message will be sent. Use it for a digital access or communication platform.

bericht “Bericht” means message in “stuur je via het portaal een bericht”. It is the information that will be sent to the tenant. Use it for a written communication sent through a digital or other channel.

wil “Wil” means want in “Ik wil het liever weten”. It expresses the speaker’s desire to know the answer. Use it before an action or information that someone wants.

liever “Liever” means rather or preferably in “Ik wil het liever weten”. It shows the speaker’s preference for knowing before the visitor returns. Use it to express a preferred option or outcome.

weten “Weten” means know in “Ik wil het liever weten”. It refers to having the relevant information or confirmation. Use it after “wil” when saying that someone wants to know something.

voordat “Voordat” means before and introduces the time condition in “voordat iemand terugkomt”. The speaker wants confirmation before the person returns. Use it to connect an action with an earlier time limit.

terugkomt “Terugkomt” means comes back in “voordat iemand terugkomt”. It describes the visitor’s possible return. Use it when referring to someone returning to a place.

Laat “Laat” means let or allow in the instruction “Laat niemand binnen”. Together with “niemand” and “binnen”, it means do not allow anyone to enter. Use it for a direct instruction about permitting or preventing entry.

niemand “Niemand” means no one or nobody in “Laat niemand binnen”. It means that not a single person should be allowed inside. Use it when an instruction or statement applies to no person.

zolang “Zolang” means as long as or until in “zolang het niet bevestigd is”. It sets the period during which nobody should be allowed in: while confirmation is still missing. Use it to connect an action with a continuing condition.

bevestigd “Bevestigd” means confirmed in “zolang het niet bevestigd is”. It refers to the visitor or appointment being officially verified. Use it when information, an arrangement, or a person’s authorization has been checked and accepted as valid.

tenzij “Tenzij” means unless and introduces the exception in “tenzij je die persoon verwachtte”. The instruction not to let anyone in has an exception if the person was expected. Use it to state an exception to a rule.

verwachtte “Verwachtte” means expected in “tenzij je die persoon verwachtte”. It says that the listener had been expecting that particular person to arrive. Use it when referring to an anticipated visitor or event in the past context.

Grammar Points

Scheidbare werkwoorden in de verleden tijd: stam + ... + voorvoegsel

Hij klopte aan en liet iemand binnen.

hay KLOP-tuh ahn en leet EE-munt bih-NEN.

He knocked and let someone in.

Bij scheidbare werkwoorden staan aan en binnen in een gewone hoofdzin achteraan.

voordat + bijzin: het werkwoord staat achteraan

Voordat iemand terugkomt, is de inspectie gepland.

vohr-DAHT EE-munt tuh-RUK-kohmt, iss duh in-SPEK-tsee guh-PLAHNT.

Before someone comes back, the inspection is scheduled.

Na voordat komt het vervoegde werkwoord aan het einde van de bijzin: iemand terugkomt.

Dutch Vocabulary

aankloppen verb

AHN-klop-un to knock klopte aan

aankondigen verb

AHN-kon-dih-ghun to announce aangekondigd

bevoegd adj

buh-VOOKHT authorized

binnenlaten verb

BIH-nuh-LAH-tun to let in liet ... binnen

eerder adv

AYR-der earlier

gebouwsysteem noun

guh-BOW-sis-TAYM building system

iemand pron

EE-munt someone; somebody

inspecteren verb

in-speck-TAY-run to inspect

onderhoudsdienst noun

ON-der-howts-deenst maintenance service

ventilatie noun

ven-tee-LAH-tsee ventilation

voorzichtig adj

VOR-ZIKH-tikh cautious

zeggen verb

ZEG-un to say zei

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to announce

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aangekondigd

earlier

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eerder

someone; somebody

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iemand

ventilation

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ventilatie