Ik weet dat jij thuis bent.
English: I know that you are at home.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- B1
- Unit
- Bijzinnen en voegwoorden
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In Dutch, 'bijzinnen met dat' are subordinate clauses that start with 'dat'. These clauses give extra information, often about what someone thinks, says, or feels.
When to use it
Use this structure when you want to report what someone says, thinks, knows, or believes. It is common after verbs like 'zeggen', 'denken', 'weten', and 'vinden'.
Key forms
- Hoofdzin + dat + bijzin
- Ik denk dat hij komt.
- Zij zegt dat het regent.
Examples
Hij zegt dat hij morgen komt.
English: He says that he is coming tomorrow.
We hopen dat het mooi weer wordt.
English: We hope that the weather will be nice.
Zij denkt dat het te laat is.
English: She thinks that it is too late.
Tips
- In the 'dat'-clause, the verb goes to the end of the clause.
- Do not use a comma before 'dat' in Dutch.
- Remember to use 'dat' only when the subject is not a direct question.
Exceptions and edge cases
- If the main clause is a question, 'dat' is usually not used.
- Some verbs use 'of' instead of 'dat' when expressing uncertainty.