bijzinnen met 'zoals' grammar in Dutch

Language: Dutch
Level: B1
Unit: Bijzinnen en voegwoorden
Practice types: 0

What this grammar point covers

A 'bijzin met zoals' is a subordinate clause in Dutch that starts with 'zoals' (meaning 'as' or 'like'). It is used to compare or give an example within a sentence.

When to use it

Use this structure in Dutch when you want to compare something or give an example, often to show similarity or to clarify what you mean.

Key forms

'zoals' + subject + rest of the clause
Main clause, zoals + bijzin

Examples

Zij zingt zoals haar moeder zingt.

English: She sings as her mother sings.

Hij doet het zoals ik hem heb geleerd.

English: He does it as I taught him.

We eten gezond, zoals de dokter adviseert.

English: We eat healthy, as the doctor advises.

Maak het huis schoon zoals ik heb gevraagd.

English: Clean the house as I asked.

Kinderen spelen graag buiten, zoals vroeger.

English: Children like to play outside, as in the past.

Tips

Remember that in a 'zoals'-clause, the verb goes to the end of the clause.
Do not confuse 'zoals' with 'omdat' or 'dat'; 'zoals' is for comparisons or examples.
In informal speech, the 'zoals'-clause can sometimes be short or even just a phrase.