woordvolgorde in bijzin grammar in Dutch

Language: Dutch
Level: B1
Unit: Woordvolgorde en zinsstructuur
Practice types: 0

What this grammar point covers

In Dutch, the word order in a subordinate clause (bijzin) is different from the main clause. In a subordinate clause, the verb usually comes at the end.

When to use it

You use this word order when you connect sentences with words like 'omdat' (because), 'als' (if), 'terwijl' (while), 'dat' (that), and 'toen' (when). These words start a subordinate clause.

Key forms

Subordinating word + subject + rest + verb
Example: omdat ik moe ben

Examples

Ik ga naar huis omdat ik moe ben.

English: I go home because I am tired.

Hij zegt dat hij morgen komt.

English: He says that he will come tomorrow.

Als het regent, blijf ik binnen.

English: If it rains, I stay inside.

We wachten tot de film begint.

English: We wait until the movie starts.

Tips

Remember: in a subordinate clause, the verb goes to the end.
Do not use main clause word order after words like 'omdat', 'dat', 'als', etc.
Check for two verbs: both go to the end, with the conjugated verb last.

Exceptions and edge cases

Sometimes in spoken Dutch, people use main clause order in informal speech, but this is not correct in standard Dutch.
In questions, the order can change.