Als ik thuis kom, eet ik avondeten.
English: When I get home, I eat dinner.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- A2
- Unit
- Zinsstructuur en woordvolgorde
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
A when clause shows the time something happens in Dutch, often using 'als' or 'wanneer'.
When to use it
Use als or wanneer clauses to talk about when something happens or under which condition.
Key forms
- Als/wanneer + onderwerp + werkwoord, hoofdzin
- Hoofdzin + als/wanneer + onderwerp + werkwoord
- Werkwoord aan het einde in de bijzin
Examples
Ik bel mijn vriend als ik klaar ben met werken.
English: I call my friend when I finish work.
Wanneer het regent, blijven we binnen.
English: When it rains, we stay inside.
Zij lacht als ze haar hond ziet.
English: She smiles when she sees her dog.
Tips
- You can use 'als' or 'wanneer' for 'when'; 'als' is more common for repeated or future events.
- Put a comma if the 'als' or 'wanneer' clause comes first.
- The verb goes to the end of the 'als' or 'wanneer' clause.
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