Dutch grammar: woordvolgorde in hoofdzin

What this grammar point covers

In Dutch, 'woordvolgorde in hoofdzin' means the word order in a main clause. It describes how to organize the subject, verb, and other parts of a sentence.

When to use it

Use this word order in regular, independent sentences (main clauses) when making statements, asking questions with question words, or giving information.

Key forms

• Subject + verb (in second position) + other elements
• Example: Ik lees een boek.
• When another element comes first, the verb is still in the second position: Morgen ga ik naar school.

Examples

Tips

• The main verb always comes in the second position of the sentence, even if another element (like time or place) comes first.
• Do not put two verbs together in a main clause; the second verb usually comes at the end in subordinate clauses, not here.
• Watch out: if you start the sentence with a time or place, the subject comes after the verb.

Exceptions and edge cases

• In yes/no questions, the verb comes first.
• With subordinate clauses, the word order changes.