Ik leer Nederlands om in Nederland te werken.
English: I learn Dutch (in order) to work in the Netherlands.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- A2
- Unit
- Werkwoorden en tijden
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In Dutch, 'om te + infinitive' is used to express the purpose or reason for an action. It is similar to saying 'in order to' or 'to' do something.
When to use it
Use 'om te + infinitive' when you want to say why you do something. It explains the goal or purpose of an action.
Key forms
- 'om te' + infinitive verb (the verb in its basic form)
- Example: Ik ga naar de winkel om brood te kopen.
Examples
Zij belt om informatie te vragen.
English: She calls (in order) to ask for information.
We gaan naar het park om te wandelen.
English: We go to the park (in order) to walk.
Hij opent het raam om frisse lucht te krijgen.
English: He opens the window (in order) to get fresh air.
Tips
- Always use 'te' before the infinitive verb.
- Do not use 'om te' for sentences that already use 'dat' or 'omdat'.
- The verb after 'te' stays in the infinitive form (not conjugated).