bijvoeglijke

Bijvoeglijke is a term used in Dutch grammar to refer to an adjectival element that describes or modifies a noun, typically functioning as part of a bijvoeglijk naamwoord (attributive adjective). In this sense, bijvoeglijke describes how properties are attached to a noun rather than being a standalone statement about the noun.

In practice, bijvoeglijke uses contrast with predicatieve uses. A bijvoeglijke (attributive) adjective appears directly before the noun it modifies, as in een snelle auto (a fast car) or de grote wedstrijd (the big competition). By contrast, a predicatieve adjective appears after a linking verb, as in de auto is snel (the car is fast). The terminology helps distinguish where the adjective sits in relation to the noun and how it contributes to the meaning of the noun phrase.

Morphology and agreement are typical concerns with bijvoeglijke adjectives. In Dutch, adjectives preceding a noun usually show agreement with the noun in number and definiteness, often taking an -e ending in common constructions such as de grote auto or een grote auto. The exact inflection can vary depending on definiteness, plurality, and the determiner used, reflecting the wider rules of Dutch adjective declension.

Common examples illustrate the concept: bijvoeglijke uses include “een mooi schilderij” (a beautiful painting) and “de vriendelijke buurman” (the friendly neighbour). In contrast, one would say “het schilderij is mooi” for a predicative use. Understanding bijvoeglijke helps explain how Dutch adjectives contribute to noun phrases and how they interact with articles and noun plurality in everyday language.