Vandaag werkt zij thuis.
English: Today she works at home.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- B2
- Unit
- Zinsstructuur en woordvolgorde
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In Dutch, 'inversie' means switching the order of the subject and the verb. After an adverbial phrase (bijwoordelijke bepaling) at the start of a sentence, the verb comes before the subject.
When to use it
Use inversion in Dutch when you start a sentence with an adverbial phrase (like time, place, or reason). This helps to emphasize the adverbial information.
Key forms
- Bijwoordelijke bepaling + werkwoord + onderwerp + rest van de zin
- Morgen ga ik naar school.
- Na het eten leest hij een boek.
Examples
Na de les drinkt hij koffie.
English: After the lesson he drinks coffee.
In de zomer fietsen wij vaak.
English: In the summer we often cycle.
Om acht uur begint de film.
English: At eight o'clock the movie starts.
Tips
- Always put the verb right after the adverbial phrase.
- Do not forget to switch the subject and the verb.
- If there is more than one verb, the second verb goes at the end of the sentence.
Exceptions and edge cases
- If the adverbial phrase is very short (like 'nu'), inversion is still used.
- Questions already use inversion, so do not repeat the inversion.