Als ik tijd heb, lees ik een boek.
English: If I have time, I read a book.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- B1
- Unit
- Bijzinnen en voegwoorden
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In Dutch, 'bijzinnen met als' are subordinate clauses that start with 'als'. They are used to talk about conditions, like 'if' or 'when' something happens.
When to use it
Use 'als' in Dutch to talk about situations that happen under a certain condition, such as future plans, general truths, or repeated actions.
Key forms
- Hoofdzin + als + bijzin
- In de bijzin met 'als' staat het werkwoord aan het einde.
- Voorbeeld: Ik ga naar buiten als het niet regent.
Examples
We gaan wandelen als het mooi weer is.
English: We go for a walk if the weather is nice.
Als je wilt, kun je mee-eten.
English: If you want, you can eat with us.
Ik bel je als ik thuis ben.
English: I will call you when I am home.
Tips
- Remember to put the verb at the end of the 'als' clause.
- Don't use 'zal/zullen' in the 'als'-clause, even if talking about the future.
- Use a comma before the 'als' clause if it comes after the main clause.
Word of the Day
Today's hand-picked vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation page for Dutch. Bookmark this section — it refreshes every day.
Get one new word every morning
Subscribe to SmartWords daily picks. Choose the topics you want — we send one short email per day.
Keep exploring
Play SmartWords games
Six word games built around our real vocabulary — free in the browser, no install.
Open the game hub →-
Word Sling
Match the center word under time pressure and keep the combo alive.
Play now → -
Word Gate
Fly through the correct gate before the speed ramps up.
Play now → -
Word Ninja
Slice the goal-language words, avoid the main-language decoy, and chase the announced bonus target.
Play now → -
Word Zip
Trace a single path across the board, hit each letter anchor in order, and fill every open cell.
Play now → -
Word Oddity
Pick the word that doesn't belong from a topic-driven set — every tap reveals all four meanings and images so the round becomes a flash-card too.
Play now → -
Word Memory
Flip and match goal-language words to their main-language meaning before your lives run out.
Play now →