Ik lees een boek.
English: I am reading a book.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- B2
- Unit
- Zinsstructuur en woordvolgorde
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In Dutch, word order is important, especially in main clauses (hoofdzin) and subordinate clauses (bijzin). The position of the verb changes depending on the type of sentence.
When to use it
You use these structures when making statements, asking questions, or connecting sentences with words like 'omdat', 'als', 'dat', etc.
Key forms
- Hoofdzin: Subject + Verb + (Rest of sentence)
- Bijzin: Subordinating word + Subject + (Rest) + Verb
Examples
Omdat ik moe ben, ga ik naar bed.
English: Because I am tired, I am going to bed.
Zij zegt dat ze morgen komt.
English: She says that she will come tomorrow.
Als het regent, blijf ik thuis.
English: If it rains, I stay at home.
Tips
- In a main clause, the verb is always in the second position.
- In a subordinate clause, the conjugated verb moves to the end.
- Watch out for sentences that start with a subordinate clause: the main clause verb comes right after the comma.
Exceptions and edge cases
- In some short subordinate clauses (like 'hoe gaat het?'), the verb can come earlier.
- With modal verbs and perfect tenses, the verb order can be more complex.