Understanding Dutch Word Order in Subordinate Clauses
In Dutch, sentences can be a bit like a puzzle, where each piece needs to fit in just the right place. When we talk about subordinate clauses, we're talking about a part of a sentence that gives more information but cannot stand alone. It's like a little helper to the main sentence.
Important Points
- A subordinate clause often starts with a conjunction like 'omdat' (because) or 'als' (if).
- The subject usually comes right after the conjunction.
- The verb is placed at the end of the subordinate clause.
- If there are multiple verbs, they stay together at the end.
- Subordinate clauses can be used at the beginning or the end of a sentence.
Examples
- Ik blijf thuis omdat het regent.
- Hij eet zijn groenten als hij honger heeft.
- Hoewel het laat is, gaan we nog naar de winkel.
Think of the subordinate clause as a little story that needs to be completed with a verb at the end. This helps the listener or reader understand what action is happening in the clause.
Let's look at more examples to see how this works.
Examples
- We wachten totdat de film begint.
- Ik lees een boek terwijl zij slaapt.
- We gaan naar buiten als het droog is.