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Dutch quiz 107: Rotterdam heeft meer hoge gebouwen dan / als andere steden in Nederland.
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Explanation
Dan
Dan” is used in the following cases:

  • Comparative Degree: When expressing the degree of difference between two things.
    Example: “Rotterdam heeft meer hoge gebouwen dan andere steden in Nederland.
    Here, you are comparing the number of tall buildings in Rotterdam with that in other cities.
  • Comparison of Actions: When comparing actions or changes over time.
    Example: “Hij werkt harder dan vroeger.
    Here, you are comparing his current effort with his previous effort.

Als
Als” is used in the following cases:

  • Equality: When comparing two things that are equal in a certain aspect.
    Example: “Hij is even groot als zijn broer.
    Here, you are comparing his height with that of his brother.
  • Comparison of Quality or Attribute: When comparing the nature or attribute of two things.
    Example: “Hij is zo slim als zijn vriend.
    Here, you are comparing his intelligence with that of his friend.

When choosing between “dan” and “als,” consider whether you want to emphasize the degree of difference (dan) or the equality in attributes (als). Generally, “dan” is used for comparisons of quantity, degree, or actions, while “als” is used for comparisons of equality in attributes.

Dutch quiz 106: Ze is een enig / enigst kind en heeft geen broers of zussen.

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Explanation
Enig
Enig” means “the only” or “unique” in this context. When you say that someone is an “enig kind” (only child), you mean that they have no siblings. The word is also used in other contexts to mean “special” or “unique.”

Examples:
Ze is een enig kind en heeft geen broers of zussen.
This means that she is the only son or daughter in her family.
Het was een enig feest, we hebben ons geweldig geamuseerd.
Here, “enig” means that the party was special and enjoyable.
Hij heeft een enig idee om het probleem op te lossen.
In this sentence, “enig” means that the idea is unique and creative.

Enigst
Enigst” is a form that is actually incorrect in standard language in the context of family members. It is sometimes used informally or in spoken language, but the correct word in standard Dutch is “enig.” “Enigst” can be used in rare cases in other contexts, such as in an expression to indicate the only best thing, but this is very uncommon.

Example of rare use:
Het is het enigst mogelijke scenario.
Here, “enigst” is used to describe the only possible scenario, but this sentence sounds unusual and formal.

Proper Application in Context
It is important to use the correct form to communicate clearly. In the context of a child without siblings, “enig” is always the correct choice. The use of “enigst” can lead to confusion and is not considered correct in standard Dutch.

In summary, when you want to indicate that someone is the only child in a family, use “enig.” For other meanings of uniqueness or specialness, use “enig” as well. Avoid “enigst” in this context to be correct and clear.

Dutch quiz 105: Wordt / word je hulp aangeboden?

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Explanation
Wordt
“Wordt” is the third-person singular form of the verb “worden.” It is used in passive sentences where the subject undergoes an action.

Examples:
Wordt je hulp aangeboden?
This means that someone else is offering help to you. The sentence is passive and asks whether someone is offering help to you.
Wordt de taak door jou uitgevoerd?
This means that the task is being performed by you. The sentence is passive and asks if you are the one carrying out the task.

Word
Word” is the second-person singular form of the verb “worden” in the imperative mood or in interrogative sentences without a passive construction. It is also used in direct questions when addressing someone directly.

Examples:
Word je nu geholpen?
This means that someone is helping you now. The sentence is a direct question without a passive construction.
Word je boos als ik dit zeg?
This means you become angry if I say something. The sentence is a direct question.

In the context of your original question, “Wordt je hulp aangeboden?” is correct because it is a passive sentence asking if someone is offering help to you.