We blijven binnen totdat het stopt met regenen.
English: We stay inside until it stops raining.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- B1
- Unit
- Bijzinnen en voegwoorden
- Practice types
- 4
What this grammar point covers
In Dutch, 'totdat' is a conjunction used to connect two sentences. It means 'until' and introduces a subordinate clause that shows when something stops or changes.
When to use it
Use 'totdat' to talk about an action or situation that continues up to a certain moment or event in the future or past.
Key forms
- Hoofdzin + totdat + bijzin
- In the bijzin (subordinate clause), the verb goes to the end.
- Example: Ik wacht hier totdat jij komt.
Examples
Hij werkt totdat hij moe is.
English: He works until he is tired.
Ik wacht hier totdat jij klaar bent.
English: I wait here until you are ready.
Zij blijft op school totdat haar moeder haar ophaalt.
English: She stays at school until her mother picks her up.
Tips
- Remember to put the verb at the end of the clause after 'totdat'.
- 'Totdat' always introduces a subordinate clause.
- Do not confuse 'totdat' with 'tot', which is a preposition, not a conjunction.
Sample exercise
Lisa blijft in de chat room totdat haar vriendin haar opbelt.
Answer: Een tijdsgrens: Lisa blijft tot haar vriendin belt.
'Totdat' geeft een tijdsgrens aan: Lisa blijft tot haar vriendin belt.
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