Subordinate Clauses in Dutch
To jump from a beginner (A2) to an intermediate Dutch level (B1), understanding subordinate clauses (bijzin) is essential. This allows you to construct more complex sentences. A subordinate clause is a part of a sentence that cannot stand alone and depends on the main clause for meaning.
What is a subordinate clause?
A subordinate clause provides additional information about the main clause. It is introduced by a subordinating conjunction (voegwoord / conjunctie / structuurwoord) such as omdat (because), dat (that), or wanneer (when):
- Ik blijf thuis omdat ik ziek ben.
(I stay home because I am sick.) - Hij zei dat hij morgen komt.
(He said that he is coming tomorrow.)
Word Order in a Subordinate Clause
One of the key differences between a subordinate clause and a main clause is the word order. In a subordinate clause, the verb moves to the end of the sentence:
- Ik weet dat hij morgen naar school gaat.
(I know that he is going to school tomorrow.) - Ze vertelde dat ze in Amsterdam woont.
(She told me that she lives in Amsterdam.)
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Some frequently used words that introduce subordinate clauses:
- omdat (because) → Ik ga naar bed omdat ik moe ben.
(I go to bed because I am tired.) - dat (that) → Hij zegt dat hij geen tijd heeft.
(He says that he has no time.) - wanneer (when) → Ik bel je wanneer ik klaar ben.
(I will call you when I am ready.) - als (if/when) → Als het regent, blijven we binnen.
(If it rains, we stay inside.) - hoewel (although) → Hoewel het koud is, gaan we wandelen.
(Although it is cold, we go for a walk.)
Inversion After a Subordinate Clause
When a sentence starts with a subordinate clause, the main clause follows inversion (verb before subject):
- Omdat ik moe ben, ga ik naar bed.
(Because I am tired, I go to bed.) - Wanneer het regent, blijven we binnen.
(When it rains, we stay inside.)
Exercises
Conclusion
Mastering subordinate clauses allows you to express yourself more fluently and construct more natural-sounding Dutch sentences. Practice using different conjunctions and pay attention to word order for clearer communication.
Be patient with yourself. This takes time to get used to.
Looking for more structured Dutch lessons?
Explore our courses!