infintiefgroep

An infintiefgroep, often translated as "infinitive group" or "infinitive cluster," is a grammatical construction in Dutch where multiple infinitive verbs appear consecutively, typically without a conjunction or explicit subject for the subsequent verbs. This phenomenon is most commonly observed in subordinate clauses and sometimes in main clauses after certain modal verbs or verbs of perception.

The structure usually involves a main verb followed by a series of infinitives, with the infinitive marker "te" (to) preceding each verb that is not directly governed by a modal verb or a verb of perception. For example, in the sentence "Ik hoop je morgen te zien, te spreken en te helpen" (I hope to see you tomorrow, to speak with you, and to help you), "zien," "spreken," and "helpen" form an infintiefgroep.

In cases where modal verbs like "kunnen" (can), "mogen" (may), "willen" (want), or "zullen" (will) are present, the "te" marker is omitted from the following infinitives. For instance, "Hij kan goed zingen en dansen" (He can sing and dance well) demonstrates this. Similarly, verbs of perception such as "horen" (hear) or "zien" (see) can also govern a series of infinitives without "te."

Understanding infintiefgroepen is crucial for accurate interpretation of complex Dutch sentences. The sequential nature of the verbs implies a related or subordinate action to the main verb or the preceding infinitive in the sequence. Grammatically, the subject of each infinitive is understood to be the same as the subject of the governing verb or the first infinitive in the group.