Strengthening a Report with Evidence | Learn Dutch in English

Dutch lesson set in a contemporary Amsterdam everyday setting: In a workplace feedback session, two adults discuss strengthening a report with more evidence before it is shared widely..

EN → NL / Level: B2

About This Lesson

Use Strengthening a Report with Evidence to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Ik wilde het rapport bespreken voordat het breed wordt gedeeld.

ikh WIL-duh ut rah-PORT buh-SPRAY-kuhn vohr-DAHT ut brayt vort khuh-DAYLT. I wanted to discuss the report before it is shared widely.
B

Ik vermoedde dat sommige onderdelen meer bewijs nodig hadden.

ikh vuh-MOOT-duh daht SOM-ih-khuh ON-der-day-lun mayr buh-VAYS NOH-dikh HAH-dun. I suspected some sections might need more evidence.
A

Het betoog is sterk, maar de aanbevelingen lijken onvoldoende onderbouwd.

ut buh-TOHKH is sterk, mar duh ahn-buh-VAY-ling-un LIE-kuhn on-vool-DOON-duh on-der-BOWT. The argument is strong, but the recommendations feel unsupported.
B

Ik heb te zwaar geleund op interviews en niet genoeg gegevens gebruikt.

ikh hep tuh ZVAHR khuh-LURNT op IN-ter-vyooz en neet khuh-NOOKH khuh-GAY-vuns khuh-BROWKT. I leaned too heavily on interviews and did not use enough data.
A

Door gegevens toe te voegen, zouden de conclusies moeilijker terzijde kunnen worden geschoven.

dohr khuh-GAY-vuns TOO-tuh VOH-khun, ZOW-dun duh kon-KLOO-sees MOOY-luh-ker tur-ZIE-duh KUN-un VOR-dun khuh-SKHOH-vun. Adding data would make the conclusions harder to dismiss.
B

Ik kan dat onderdeel herzien en onzekere punten duidelijk markeren.

ikh kan daht ON-der-dayl her-ZEEN en on-ZAY-kuh-ruh POON-tun DOW-duh-luk mar-KAY-run. I can revise that section and flag uncertain points clearly.
A

Dat zou de geloofwaardigheid verbeteren zonder de algemene boodschap te verzwakken.

daht zow duh khuh-LOHF-vahr-dikh-hyt buh-VAY-tuh-run ZON-dur duh al-khuh-MAY-nuh BOHT-shap tuh vuh-ZWAK-uhn. That would improve credibility without weakening the overall message.
B

Ik stuur je de bijgewerkte versie voordat die naar de grotere groep gaat.

ikh stewr yuh duh BYE-khuh-WERK-tuh VUR-see vohr-DAHT dee NAHR duh KHROH-tuh-ruh KHROOP khaht. I'll send you the updated version before it goes to the wider group.

Word by Word

Ik “Ik” identifies the speaker as the person doing or experiencing the action, meaning “I” in this dialogue. It commonly appears before the verb, as in “Ik wilde” or “Ik kan”.
wilde “wilde” expresses that the speaker wanted to discuss the report. The citation form is willen; the form “wilde” appears after “Ik” in “Ik wilde het rapport bespreken”. This pattern can introduce an intention or wish with an infinitive.
het In “het rapport”, “het” means “the” and identifies the report being discussed. In “voordat het breed wordt gedeeld”, “het” refers back to the report and means “it”. Use “het” before a matching noun or as a pronoun when the referent is already clear.
rapport “rapport” means “report”, the document being discussed and revised. It appears in the reusable phrase “het rapport bespreken”. This word is useful when discussing a written workplace document.
bespreken “bespreken” means “to discuss” the report. It is the infinitive after “wilde” in “Ik wilde het rapport bespreken”. A common pattern is a person followed by bespreken and the topic being discussed.
voordat “voordat” introduces the earlier point before which something should happen, meaning “before”. In “voordat het breed wordt gedeeld”, it introduces the condition that the report has not yet been widely shared. Use it to connect an action with a preceding deadline or event.
breed “breed” means “widely” here and describes the extent of sharing. In “breed wordt gedeeld”, it modifies the sharing of the report rather than describing its physical width. It can be reused with communication or distribution that reaches many people.
wordt In “wordt gedeeld”, “wordt” helps form the idea that the report is shared, with the report receiving the action. The citation form is worden; “wordt” is the form used with “het” here. A common pattern is “wordt” followed by a form describing what happens to something.
gedeeld In “wordt gedeeld”, “gedeeld” expresses that the report is shared with others. The citation form is delen; “gedeeld” is the form used in this construction. This expression is useful when describing information, documents, or results being distributed.
vermoedde “vermoedde” expresses that the speaker suspected that some sections needed more evidence. The citation form is vermoeden; “vermoedde” appears in “Ik vermoedde dat sommige onderdelen meer bewijs nodig hadden”. The reusable pattern “Ik vermoedde dat ...” introduces a belief based on incomplete certainty.
dat In “Ik vermoedde dat sommige onderdelen ...”, “dat” introduces the content of the suspicion, meaning “that”. It connects the reporting verb with a following clause. Use “dat” to introduce what someone thinks, suspects, or knows.
sommige “sommige” means “some” and limits the reference to only certain sections, not all of them. It appears before the plural noun in “sommige onderdelen”. This pattern can identify an unspecified subset of a group.
onderdelen “onderdelen” means “sections” or “parts” of the report. The citation form is onderdeel; “onderdelen” refers to multiple parts in “sommige onderdelen”. It can be reused for parts of a report, plan, project, or larger object.
meer “meer” means “more” evidence than the sections currently have. It appears before “bewijs” in “meer bewijs nodig hadden”. Use “meer” before a noun when requesting or describing an increased amount.
bewijs “bewijs” means “evidence” supporting the report’s claims. It appears in “meer bewijs nodig hadden”, where the sections require additional support. This noun is useful with words such as “meer” and “nodig” when discussing support for an argument.
nodig “nodig” expresses that something is needed; here, more evidence is required by the sections. It appears in the construction “meer bewijs nodig hadden”. A common reuse pattern is an item followed by “nodig hebben” for saying that someone or something needs it.
hadden In “meer bewijs nodig hadden”, “hadden” contributes the idea of having or requiring something, so the sections were described as needing more evidence. The citation form is hebben; “hadden” is the form used in this clause. The pattern “iets nodig hebben” is used to say that something is needed.
betoog “betoog” means the argument or case developed in the report. It appears as the subject of “Het betoog is sterk”. This word is useful in formal discussions of reasoning, evidence, and conclusions.
is “is” links “het betoog” with the description “sterk”, stating that the argument is strong. The citation form is zijn; “is” is the form used with “het betoog” here. A common pattern is “iets is + description” when evaluating something.
sterk “sterk” describes the argument as strong or persuasive in “Het betoog is sterk”. It follows “is” to give an assessment of the argument. It can be reused to evaluate the quality of an argument, explanation, or proposal.
maar “maar” introduces a contrasting point: the argument is strong, but the recommendations lack sufficient support. It connects two statements with different evaluations. Use “maar” when acknowledging one positive point before presenting a limitation.
de “de” means “the” before “aanbevelingen” in “de aanbevelingen”. It identifies the specific recommendations contained in the report. Use it before a noun when the referent is known or specific.
aanbevelingen “aanbevelingen” means “recommendations”, the proposed actions or conclusions in the report. The citation form is aanbeveling; “aanbevelingen” refers to several recommendations in “de aanbevelingen”. This word is useful when discussing what a report proposes people should do.
lijken “lijken” expresses an assessment that the recommendations appear insufficiently supported, rather than stating it as an absolute fact. It appears in “de aanbevelingen lijken onvoldoende onderbouwd”. A common pattern is “iets lijkt + description” when giving a cautious evaluation.
onvoldoende “onvoldoende” means “insufficiently” or “not enough” in “onvoldoende onderbouwd”. It states that the recommendations do not have adequate support. It can be reused before a description of a quality that falls below the required level.
onderbouwd “onderbouwd” describes the recommendations as supported or substantiated by evidence. The citation form is onderbouwen; “onderbouwd” appears after “lijken” in “lijken onvoldoende onderbouwd”. This form is useful when evaluating whether a claim or recommendation has adequate evidence behind it.
heb In “Ik heb te zwaar geleund”, “heb” helps form the expression describing reliance on interviews. The citation form is hebben; “heb” is the form used after “Ik”. A common pattern is “Ik heb ...” followed by a completed action or experience.
te In “te zwaar”, “te” means “too” and shows that the reliance was excessive. In “toe te voegen”, “te” marks the infinitive in the expression for adding data. Its meaning depends on the construction, so use the full phrase rather than treating “te” alone as the whole action.
zwaar “zwaar” means “heavily” in “te zwaar geleund op interviews”, describing the degree of reliance. Together with “te”, it indicates excessive dependence on interviews. This pattern can describe relying too heavily on one source or method.
geleund In “heb te zwaar geleund op interviews”, “geleund” expresses having relied on interviews. The citation form is leunen; “geleund” is the form used with “heb”. The reusable pattern “leunen op” means relying on a source, person, or method.
op “op” introduces what the speaker relied on in “geleund op interviews”. It connects the verb of reliance with its source. The pattern “leunen op + source” is useful when explaining dependence on evidence or support.
interviews “interviews” means interviews, which were used as a source for the report. It appears after “op” in “geleund op interviews”. This noun can be reused when identifying a research method or information source.
en “en” joins two related actions: relying too heavily on interviews and not using enough data. It connects the two parts of the speaker’s explanation. Use it to link actions, descriptions, or clauses without contrast.
niet “niet” negates the use of enough data in “niet genoeg gegevens gebruikt”. It shows that the required amount was not used. Place it with the expression being negated, such as “niet genoeg” for “not enough”.
genoeg “genoeg” means “enough” and describes the amount of data used. In “niet genoeg gegevens”, it combines with “niet” to mean that the amount was insufficient. A common pattern is “genoeg + noun” when discussing whether an amount meets a need.
gegevens “gegevens” means “data” or “information” used to support the report. The citation form is gegeven; “gegevens” refers to the collected information in “niet genoeg gegevens gebruikt”. This word is useful when discussing research, analysis, or evidence.
gebruikt In “gegevens gebruikt”, “gebruikt” expresses that the data was used in the report. The citation form is gebruiken; “gebruikt” appears with “heb” in “niet genoeg gegevens gebruikt”. It can be reused with a method, source, tool, or information that someone applies.
Door “Door” introduces the action that could produce the result: adding data in “Door gegevens toe te voegen”. It means “by” or “through” in this context. Use “door + action” to explain how a result can be achieved.
toe In “toe te voegen”, “toe” contributes the idea of adding something to what is already present. The full expression means “to add”, so its meaning should be understood together with “voegen”. This pattern is useful when describing adding data, details, or evidence to an existing document.
voegen In “toe te voegen”, “voegen” contributes the action of putting something together with what is already there. The citation form is voegen; with “toe”, the expression means “to add”. Use the complete pattern “iets toevoegen” when naming what is added.
zouden “zouden” expresses a possible or expected result: the conclusions would be harder to dismiss. The citation form is zullen; “zouden” is used with the plural subject “de conclusies”. A common pattern is “zou/zouden + infinitive” for a possible consequence or expected effect.
conclusies “conclusies” means “conclusions”, the judgments reached in the report. The citation form is conclusie; “conclusies” refers to several conclusions in “de conclusies”. This word is useful when discussing what evidence or analysis leads to.
moeilijker “moeilijker” means “harder” or “more difficult” in “moeilijker terzijde kunnen worden geschoven”. The citation form is moeilijk; “moeilijker” compares the conclusions’ dismissibility after data is added. It can be reused to compare how difficult two tasks or outcomes are.
terzijde In “terzijde kunnen worden geschoven”, “terzijde” contributes the idea of putting something aside. Together with the full expression, it describes conclusions being dismissed or set aside. This formal expression is useful when discussing claims or proposals that others might reject.
kunnen “kunnen” expresses possibility in “kunnen worden geschoven”: the conclusions could be dismissed. It appears before the passive sequence that describes what may happen to the conclusions. A common pattern is “kunnen + infinitive” for something that is possible.
worden In “kunnen worden geschoven”, “worden” helps form the passive construction in which the conclusions receive the action. The citation form is worden; this infinitive follows “kunnen”. Use it with a following action form when describing what can happen to something.
geschoven In “terzijde worden geschoven”, “geschoven” contributes the action of pushing or putting something aside, giving the full expression the meaning “dismissed”. The citation form is schuiven; “geschoven” is used in this construction. The complete pattern is useful for formal statements about arguments or proposals being set aside.
kan “kan” expresses ability or possibility in “Ik kan dat onderdeel herzien”, meaning that the speaker is able to revise that section. The citation form is kunnen; “kan” is used with “Ik”. A common pattern is “Ik kan + infinitive” when offering to do something.
herzien “herzien” means “to revise” the section by reviewing and changing it. It follows “kan” in “Ik kan dat onderdeel herzien”. This pattern is useful when offering to revise a report, section, plan, or document.
onzekere “onzekere” describes points whose status or truth is uncertain in “onzekere punten”. The citation form is onzeker; “onzekere” appears before the plural noun “punten”. Use this pattern to identify uncertain details that need clarification or marking.
punten “punten” means “points”, here referring to specific points in the report. The citation form is punt; “punten” refers to several items in “onzekere punten”. This word can be reused for individual issues, details, or observations in a discussion.
duidelijk “duidelijk” means “clearly” in “duidelijk markeren”, describing how the uncertain points will be marked. It makes the intended status easy for readers to recognize. It can be reused before an action to describe a clear or unambiguous way of doing it.
markeren “markeren” means “to mark” or “flag” the uncertain points. It follows “kan” in “onzekere punten duidelijk markeren”. A useful pattern is “iets markeren” when identifying information for later attention.
zou “zou” expresses a possible result in “Dat zou de geloofwaardigheid verbeteren”. The citation form is zullen; “zou” is the form used with the singular subject “Dat”. A common pattern is “Dat zou + infinitive” when evaluating the likely effect of a proposed action.
geloofwaardigheid “geloofwaardigheid” means “credibility”, or how trustworthy the report appears. It is the object of “verbeteren” in “de geloofwaardigheid verbeteren”. This abstract noun is useful when discussing the trust readers place in information or recommendations.
verbeteren “verbeteren” means “to improve” the report’s credibility. It follows “zou” in “Dat zou de geloofwaardigheid verbeteren”. Use the pattern “iets verbeteren” when describing an action that raises the quality of something.
zonder “zonder” introduces something that does not happen: the overall message is not weakened in “zonder de algemene boodschap te verzwakken”. It means “without” and connects the main result with a condition that is avoided. Use “zonder + infinitive” to describe an action performed without another effect.
algemene “algemene” describes the message as overall or general in “de algemene boodschap”. The citation form is algemeen; “algemene” appears before the noun “boodschap”. This pattern is useful when distinguishing the central message from individual details.
boodschap “boodschap” means “message”, here the central meaning the report communicates. It appears in “de algemene boodschap”. This noun can be reused when discussing what a document, presentation, or speaker wants people to understand.
verzwakken “verzwakken” means “to weaken” the overall message. It follows “te” in “zonder de algemene boodschap te verzwakken”. Use the pattern “iets verzwakken” when explaining that an action reduces the force or impact of an argument or message.
stuur “stuur” expresses that the speaker will send the updated version to the listener in “Ik stuur je de bijgewerkte versie”. The citation form is sturen; “stuur” is used with “Ik”. This pattern keeps the recipient between the verb and the item being sent: “Ik stuur je iets”.
je “je” identifies the person receiving the updated version in “Ik stuur je de bijgewerkte versie”, meaning “you”. It functions as the recipient of the sending action. Use it after a sending verb to name the person who receives something.
bijgewerkte “bijgewerkte” describes the version as updated after revision. The citation form is bijwerken; “bijgewerkte” appears before “versie” in “de bijgewerkte versie”. This pattern is useful for referring to a document that has been changed to include new corrections or information.
versie “versie” means “version”, here the revised form of the report. It appears in “de bijgewerkte versie”. This noun is useful when distinguishing a current document from an earlier draft.
die “die” refers back to “de bijgewerkte versie” in “voordat die naar de grotere groep gaat”, meaning “that” or “it”. It allows the speaker to continue describing what happens to the version. Use it to refer back to a previously mentioned item in a following clause.
naar “naar” introduces the destination or recipient in “naar de grotere groep”. It means “to” and shows where the version is going. Use “naar” with a destination, person, or group receiving something.
grotere “grotere” describes the group as larger or wider in scope in “de grotere groep”. The citation form is groot; “grotere” compares this group with a smaller or narrower group already implied by the context. It can be reused before a noun when describing a larger group or audience.
groep “groep” means “group”, here the wider group that will receive the report. It appears in “de grotere groep”. This noun is useful when discussing communication with several people considered together.
gaat In “die naar de grotere groep gaat”, “gaat” expresses that the updated version goes to the wider group. The citation form is gaan; “gaat” is used with the singular subject “die”. This pattern can describe a document, message, or item being sent or directed to a destination.

Grammar Points

te + infinitief bij een scheidbaar werkwoord

toe te voegen

TOO-tuh VOH-khun

to add

Bij toevoegen komt te tussen het voorvoegsel toe en het werkwoord voegen.

voltooid deelwoord als bijvoeglijk naamwoord

bijgewerkte versie

BYE-khuh-WERK-tuh VUR-see

updated version

Een voltooid deelwoord krijgt vaak -e vóór een zelfstandig naamwoord.

Dutch Vocabulary

aanbeveling noun
ahn-buh-VAY-ling recommendation aanbevelingen
bespreken verb
buh-SPRAY-kuhn to discuss
betoog noun
buh-TOHKH argument
bewijs noun
buh-VAYS evidence
breed adv
brayt widely
delen verb
DAY-luhn to share gedeeld
lijken verb
LIE-kuhn to seem
onderdeel noun
ON-der-dayl section onderdelen
rapport noun
rah-PORT report
vermoeden verb
vuh-MOO-dun to suspect vermoedde
voordat conj
vohr-DAHT before
willen verb
WIL-uhn to want wilde

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to want

Show Answerwilde

to share

Show Answergedeeld

widely

Show Answerbreed

to discuss

Show Answerbespreken