Organizing Account Activity | Learn Dutch in English

About This Lesson

Use Organizing Account Activity to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Ik probeer routinematige activiteiten op mijn rekening te scheiden van incidentele betalingen.

ik proh-BEER roo-tee-nuh-MAH-tuh-khuh ahk-tee-vee-TITE-uhn op mine RAY-kuh-ning tuh SKHYE-duhn vahn in-see-DEN-tuh-luh buh-TAH-ling-uhn I'm trying to separate routine account activity from occasional payments.

Dat kan je helpen zien welke diensten automatisch worden verlengd.

daht kahn yuh HELP-uhn zeen VEL-kuh DEEN-stuhn ow-toh-MAH-tiss VOR-duhn vuh-LENGT That can help you see which services renew automatically.

Het lastige is om veranderingen op te merken voordat ze ondersneeuwen.

hut LAH-stuh-khuh iss om vuh-RAHN-duh-ring-uhn op tuh MAIR-kuhn vohr-DAHT zuh on-der-SNAY-oo-uhn The hard part is noticing changes before they get buried.

Door vergelijkbare betalingen te groeperen, kom je misschien verder dan wanneer je alleen op herinneringen vertrouwt.

dohr vuh-KHAY-ligh-kbah-ruh buh-TAH-ling-uhn tuh KHROO-puh-ruhn, kom yuh muh-SKHEEN VAIR-duhr dahn vah-NAIR yuh ah-LAYN op huh-RIN-ing-uhn vuh-TROHWT Grouping similar payments may help more than relying on reminders.

Ik zou één aparte kaart voor vaste diensten kunnen gebruiken.

ik zow ayn ah-PAR-tuh kahrt vohr VAH-stuh DEEN-stuhn KUN-uhn khuh-BROY-kuhn I could use one dedicated card for regular services.

Dan zou ongebruikelijke activiteit sneller opvallen.

dahn zow on-khuh-BROY-kuh-luh-kuh ahk-tee-vee-TITE sneller OP-vah-luhn Then unusual activity would stand out more quickly.

Het zou mijn hoofdrekening ook minder rommelig kunnen houden.

hut zow mine HOHFT-RAY-kuh-ning ohk MIN-duhr ROM-uh-likh KUN-uhn HOW-duhn It might also keep my main account less cluttered.

Een overzichtelijkere administratie kan toekomstige beslissingen gemakkelijker maken.

uhn oh-vuh-ZIKH-tuh-luh-kuh ahd-mee-nee-STRAHT-see kahn TOH-kom-stuh-khuh buh-SLIS-ing-uhn khuh-MAH-kuh-luh-kuh MAH-kuhn Cleaner records can make future decisions easier.

Word by Word

Ik “Ik” means “I” and refers to the person speaking in “Ik probeer”. It is used as the subject before the verb, for example when explaining what you are doing or planning.

probeer “probeer” means “try” in “Ik probeer ... te scheiden”. It describes an effort that is currently being made and is used with te plus an infinitive in this pattern. You can use this pattern when explaining an attempt to do something.

routinematige “routinematige” describes activities that happen as part of a routine in “routinematige activiteiten”. The form comes before the plural noun it describes. Use it when classifying regular or repeated activities.

activiteiten “activiteiten” means “activities”, here referring to routine movements or transactions on the account. It is the plural noun in “routinematige activiteiten op mijn rekening”. Use it to describe organized actions or activity in a particular area.

op “op” means “on” in the account expression “op mijn rekening”, referring to activity recorded on an account. In this use, it is placed before the account expression. Use “op” in similar account-related phrases.

mijn “mijn” means “my” and shows that the account belongs to or is associated with the speaker in “mijn rekening”. It comes directly before the noun. Use it when identifying something connected to yourself.

rekening “rekening” means “account” in “mijn rekening”, specifically the account on which the activity appears. It follows the possessive “mijn” in this phrase. Use it when discussing account activity or records.

te “te” marks the infinitive in “te scheiden” after “probeer”. Together, this creates the pattern “proberen te” for describing an attempt to do something. Use it before an infinitive in this construction.

scheiden “scheiden” means “separate” in “te scheiden van incidentele betalingen”. The pattern “scheiden van” shows what is being separated from what. Use it when distinguishing two groups, categories, or things.

van “van” means “from” in “scheiden van incidentele betalingen”. It introduces the group from which something is being separated. Use “scheiden van” when describing a distinction between two categories.

incidentele “incidentele” means “occasional” in “incidentele betalingen”, describing payments that are not part of the routine group. It comes before the noun it modifies. Use it when referring to payments or events that happen only from time to time.

betalingen “betalingen” means “payments” in “incidentele betalingen”. It is the plural noun that is contrasted with routine account activity. Use it when discussing money paid for services, purchases, or other obligations.

Dat “Dat” means “that” and refers to the idea in the previous sentence in “Dat kan je helpen”. It appears at the beginning of the new sentence as the subject. Use it to refer back to an action, suggestion, or situation just mentioned.

kan “kan” expresses that something can help in “Dat kan je helpen zien”. It is followed by the subject-related object “je” and the infinitives “helpen zien”. Use it when describing a possible ability or benefit.

je “je” means “you” in “kan je helpen zien”, referring to the person who may benefit from the action. Here it is the person being helped. Use it when addressing someone informally in a practical explanation.

helpen “helpen” means “help” in “helpen zien”. It expresses that one action makes another action easier or possible. The pattern “helpen” followed by an infinitive is useful when explaining how something supports someone.

zien “zien” means “see” in “helpen zien welke diensten automatisch worden verlengd”. Here it means recognizing or identifying which services renew automatically. Use it before a clause or information that someone needs to identify.

welke “welke” means “which” and introduces the information about the services in “welke diensten automatisch worden verlengd”. It comes before the noun being identified. Use it when selecting or identifying something from a group.

diensten “diensten” means “services” in “welke diensten automatisch worden verlengd”. It is the plural noun identified by “welke”. Use it when discussing recurring services or providers.

automatisch “automatisch” means “automatically” and describes how the services are renewed in “automatisch worden verlengd”. It indicates that the process happens without a new manual action each time. Use it when describing a process that occurs on its own.

worden “worden” helps form the passive expression “worden verlengd”, meaning that the services are renewed. It places the focus on the services receiving the action. Use it with a past participle when describing something that is done to a subject.

verlengd “verlengd” means “renewed” or “extended” in “worden verlengd”. Here it refers to services continuing automatically for another period. Use it when discussing the continuation of a service or agreement.

Het “Het” means “the” in the expression “Het lastige”, which refers to the difficult part of the situation. It begins the phrase that identifies what is difficult. Use “Het ... is” when presenting a situation or aspect as a topic.

lastige “lastige” means “difficult” in “Het lastige”, referring to the difficult part of noticing changes. It functions together with “Het” as a noun-like description of the problem. Use it when identifying what makes a task or situation difficult.

is “is” means “is” in “Het lastige is om veranderingen op te merken”. It links the difficult part to the action being described. Use it to state what a situation, problem, or task consists of.

om “om” introduces the infinitive construction “om veranderingen op te merken”, explaining what the difficult part involves. It is used here after “Het lastige is”. Use this pattern when specifying an action or task.

veranderingen “veranderingen” means “changes” and is the thing to be noticed in “veranderingen op te merken”. It refers to changes in the account activity discussed in the lesson. Use it when monitoring how a situation or record develops.

merken In “op te merken”, “merken” contributes to the verb phrase meaning “notice”. The complete expression is used for recognizing changes before they are overlooked. Use this form as part of “opmerken” when talking about noticing something.

voordat “voordat” means “before” and introduces the point in time in “voordat ze ondersneeuwen”. It connects noticing the changes with what may happen later. Use it to order two events or actions in time.

ze “ze” means “they” in “voordat ze ondersneeuwen” and refers to the changes mentioned earlier. It is the subject of the following clause. Use it to refer back to plural things already identified.

ondersneeuwen “ondersneeuwen” means “become buried or overlooked” in the figurative context “ze ondersneeuwen”. The image is that changes disappear beneath other account activity and are no longer noticed. Use it when information or an issue gets hidden by a larger amount of information.

Door “Door” means “by” in “Door vergelijkbare betalingen te groeperen”. It introduces the method used to achieve a result. Use “door” plus an infinitive construction when explaining how something can be done.

vergelijkbare “vergelijkbare” means “similar” in “vergelijkbare betalingen”. It identifies payments that share relevant characteristics and can therefore be grouped together. Use it before a noun when comparing items that resemble each other.

groeperen “groeperen” means “group” in “te groeperen”, describing the method of organizing similar payments. It follows “te” in the construction introduced by “Door”. Use it when putting related items into groups.

kom “kom” contributes to the expression “kom je misschien verder”, meaning that you may make more progress or get a better result. Here it is part of a fixed way of talking about progress, not physical movement. Use this expression when evaluating whether a method helps.

misschien “misschien” means “perhaps” or “maybe” in “kom je misschien verder”. It makes the suggestion less definite. Use it when presenting a possible benefit without claiming certainty.

verder “verder” means “further” in the expression “kom je misschien verder”, referring to making more progress with the organization method. It works with “komen” in this usage. Use it when saying that someone may progress or get closer to a solution.

dan “dan” means “than” in the comparison “meer dan wanneer je alleen op herinneringen vertrouwt”. It introduces the alternative being compared with the proposed method. Use it after a comparative expression when contrasting two methods or results.

wanneer “wanneer” means “when” in “dan wanneer je alleen op herinneringen vertrouwt”. Here it introduces the situation used as the comparison, rather than asking a question about time. Use it to introduce a situation in which something happens.

alleen “alleen” means “only” in “alleen op herinneringen vertrouwt”. It limits the method to relying solely on reminders. Use it before the relevant part of a sentence when emphasizing that there is no additional method.

herinneringen “herinneringen” means “reminders” in “op herinneringen vertrouwt”. These are reminders used as the sole way to notice or remember account activity. Use it when discussing prompts that help someone remember an action.

vertrouwt “vertrouwt” means “relies” in “op herinneringen vertrouwt”. The pattern “vertrouwen op” shows what someone depends on. Use it when explaining that a person depends on a tool, method, or source.

zou “zou” presents the dedicated card as a possible or proposed option in “Ik zou één aparte kaart ... kunnen gebruiken”. It gives the suggestion a conditional, non-absolute tone. Use it when discussing what you might do or what could be practical.

aparte “aparte” means “separate” or “dedicated” in “één aparte kaart”. It describes a card reserved for a particular purpose. Use it before a noun when distinguishing one item from the main group or giving it its own role.

kaart “kaart” means “card” in “één aparte kaart voor vaste diensten”. Here it refers to a payment card used for regular services. Use it when discussing a card assigned to a particular payment purpose.

voor “voor” means “for” in “een aparte kaart voor vaste diensten”. It introduces the purpose or intended use of the card. Use “voor” before a noun to state what an object or action is intended for.

vaste “vaste” means “regular” or “fixed” in “vaste diensten”. It describes services that form a stable, recurring part of the speaker’s expenses. Use it before a noun when referring to something regular or established.

kunnen “kunnen” expresses possibility in “zou ... kunnen gebruiken”, where the speaker says that using the card is an available option. It is used as an infinitive after “zou”. Use it to describe what someone can or could do.

gebruiken “gebruiken” means “use” in “een aparte kaart ... kunnen gebruiken”. It describes applying the card for the purpose of paying for regular services. Use it when stating what someone does with an object or method.

ongebruikelijke “ongebruikelijke” means “unusual” in “ongebruikelijke activiteit”. It describes activity that does not fit the expected regular pattern. Use it before a noun when identifying something unexpected or not typical.

activiteit “activiteit” means “activity” in “ongebruikelijke activiteit”. Here it refers to account activity that may be unexpected. Use it when discussing transactions or actions recorded on an account.

sneller “sneller” means “more quickly” in “sneller opvallen”. It says that unusual activity would become noticeable sooner under the proposed arrangement. Use it when comparing how quickly two things become visible or happen.

opvallen “opvallen” means “stand out” or “be noticeable” in this sentence. It describes unusual activity becoming easy to notice among the account records. Use it when something attracts attention because it differs from what is expected.

ook “ook” means “also” in “Het zou mijn hoofdrekening ook minder rommelig kunnen houden”. It adds a second possible benefit to the separate-card idea. Use it when adding another point to an explanation.

hoofdrekening “hoofdrekening” means “main account” in “mijn hoofdrekening”. It identifies the primary account from which the speaker wants to separate regular-service activity. Use it when distinguishing a principal account from another account or payment arrangement.

minder “minder” means “less” in “minder rommelig”. It reduces the degree of clutter or disorder attributed to the main account. Use it before an adjective when describing a lower degree of a quality.

rommelig “rommelig” means “cluttered” or “messy” in “minder rommelig”. It describes an account whose records contain less clearly separated activity. Use it to describe an arrangement or collection of information that is difficult to keep organized.

houden “houden” means “keep” in “minder rommelig kunnen houden”. It describes maintaining the main account in a less cluttered state. Use it in the pattern “iets ... houden” when saying that something remains a certain way.

Een “Een” means “a” or “an” in “Een overzichtelijkere administratie”. It introduces the administration as a general example rather than a previously identified one. Use it before a singular noun when introducing one non-specific thing.

overzichtelijkere “overzichtelijkere” means “clearer” or “more organized” in “Een overzichtelijkere administratie”. It compares the proposed records with a less organized arrangement. Use it before a noun when describing improved clarity or organization.

administratie “administratie” means “records” or “administration” in this financial context. It refers to the organized account records that can support future decisions. Use it when discussing the keeping and organization of financial information.

toekomstige “toekomstige” means “future” in “toekomstige beslissingen”. It refers to decisions that will be made later. Use it before a noun when discussing something planned or expected after the present moment.

beslissingen “beslissingen” means “decisions” in “toekomstige beslissingen”. These are later choices that may be easier when the records are clearer. Use it when talking about choices made after considering information.

gemakkelijker “gemakkelijker” means “easier” in “beslissingen gemakkelijker maken”. It describes reducing the difficulty of making future decisions. Use it before or with an action when explaining that a condition makes something less difficult.

maken “maken” means “make” in “beslissingen gemakkelijker maken”. The construction says that clearer records cause future decisions to become easier. Use “iets gemakkelijker maken” when explaining that one thing facilitates another.

Grammar Points

proberen te + infinitief

Probeer betalingen te scheiden.

proh-BEER buh-TAH-ling-uhn tuh SKHYE-duhn

Try to separate payments.

Na proberen gebruik je te met het hele werkwoord: proberen te scheiden.

worden + voltooid deelwoord

Diensten worden verlengd.

DEEN-stuhn VOR-duhn vuh-LENGT

Services are renewed.

Deze vorm maakt een passieve zin: de diensten ondergaan de actie.

Dutch Vocabulary

activiteit noun

ahk-tee-vee-TITE activity activiteiten

activiteiten op mijn rekening

automatisch adv

ow-toh-MAH-tiss automatically

automatisch worden verlengd

betaling noun

buh-TAH-ling payment betalingen

incidentele betalingen

dienst noun

DEENST service diensten

welke diensten automatisch worden verlengd

incidenteel adj

in-see-den-TALE occasional incidentele

incidentele betalingen

lastig adj

LAH-stikh difficult; challenging lastige

Het lastige is ...

proberen verb

proh-BEER-uhn to try probeer

Ik probeer ... te scheiden.

rekening noun

RAY-kuh-ning account

op mijn rekening

routinematig adj

roo-tee-nuh-MAH-tikh routine routinematige

routinematige activiteiten

scheiden verb

SKHYE-duhn to separate te scheiden

te scheiden van incidentele betalingen

verandering noun

vuh-RAHN-duh-ring change veranderingen

veranderingen op te merken

verlengen verb

vuh-LENG-uhn to renew; to extend worden verlengd

diensten automatisch worden verlengd

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Then unusual activity would stand out more quickly.

Show Answer

Dan zou ongebruikelijke activiteit sneller opvallen.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to try

Show Answer

probeer

service

Show Answer

diensten

automatically

Show Answer

automatisch

activity

Show Answer

activiteiten