lijkadjectieven

Lijkadjectieven is a term used in some Dutch linguistics discussions to refer to a subset of adjectives that express appearance, state, or resemblance in predicative constructions after linking verbs such as zijn. The phrase is not part of standard Dutch grammar and appears mainly in didactic or exploratory texts. The concept is used to discuss how adjectives function when describing the subject in a copular clause, in contrast with attributive adjectives that modify a noun before it.

Definition and scope

Lijkadjectieven are understood as predicates that ascribe a property to the subject in a copular sentence. They typically occur after a form of zijn, schijnen, lijken, or other linking verbs, and they generally do not inflect for gender or number in predicative position. In other words, het is mooi or het schilderij is kleurrijk would be cited as examples of predicative adjectives, whereas attributive adjectives before a noun would show inflection, such as een mooi schilderij.

Syntactic and semantic properties

Lijkadjectieven are primarily used in predicate position rather than before a noun. They convey descriptive or evaluative information about the subject and can denote appearance, condition, or perceived similarity. Semantically, they are closer to stative predicates and often interact with epistemic or evaluative nuances (for example, an adjective that signals perceived quality).

Relation to other adjective types

In Dutch grammar, attributive adjectives precede the noun and typically inflect for number and gender, while predicative adjectives follow a copular verb and generally remain in their base form. Lijkadjectieven occupy the predicative side of this distinction and are often discussed together with other copular constructions and linking-verb phenomena.

Cross-linguistic parallels

Similar categories are discussed in other languages under terms like subject complements or predicative adjectives. In German, Gleichsetzungsadjektive and in English, subject-claim adjectives, describe comparable predicate-position properties.

See also

Koppelwerkwoord, predicative adjectives, attributive adjectives, copular constructions.