Ik ga naar huis omdat ik moe ben.
English: I go home because I am tired.
- 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
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.