This is the 2025th most frequent Dutch word.
des
"Des" is an archaic Dutch word meaning "of the."
In this sentence, 'des' is used as a comparative intensifier in the structure 'des te ...', which emphasizes the relationship and comparison between the two clauses.
Des te eerder we vertrekken, des te eerder we aankomen.
The sooner we leave, the sooner we arrive.
Here, 'des' is employed in a similar construct 'des te ...', highlighting the significance or intensity of the importance attributed to cooperation.
Ik beschouw het des te belangrijker dat we samenwerken.
I consider it all the more important that we cooperate.
In this sentence, 'des' is used in a genitive construction to signify 'of', attributing 'importance' to 'underestimation', a somewhat archaic usage in modern Dutch.