Order of the Sentence - Normale zin

Understanding Normal Sentence Structure in Dutch

When learning Dutch, mastering sentence structure is crucial for clear and effective communication. Dutch follows a relatively structured word order, but it can differ from English or your native language in important ways. Let’s break down the basic word order and how it works in different types of sentences.


Basic Word Order: SVO

In simple main clauses, Dutch follows the Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure, just like English:


  • Ik eet een appel. (I eat an apple.)
  • Zij leest een boek. (She reads a book.)


Here, the subject (ik, zij) comes first, followed by the conjugated verb (eet, leest), and then the object (een appel, een boek).


Sentences with Multiple Verbs

When using modal verbs (kunnen, moeten, willen, etc.) or compound tenses, the conjugated verb stays in second place, while the infinitive or past participle moves to the end:


  • Ik moet morgen werken. (I have to work tomorrow.)
  • Zij heeft een boek gelezen. (She has read a book.)


Here, the model verb (persoonsvorm) (moet, heeft) comes first and is conjugated according to the subject (ik, zij). The second verb (werken, gelezen) is in the infinitief or participle form and located at the very end of the sentence. 


Time-Manner-Place (TMP) Rule

When adding extra information to a sentence, Dutch follows the order: Time - Manner - Place


  • Ik - ga - morgen - met de trein - naar Amsterdam. (I am going to Amsterdam by train tomorrow.)
    •   Time: morgen (tomorrow)
    •   Manner: met de trein (by train)
    •   Place: naar Amsterdam (to Amsterdam)


Oefeningen
  1. Two verbs | Wordwall
  2. Time-Place | Wordwall
  3. Time-Manner-Place-Object | Wordwall


Conclusion

Understanding Dutch sentence structure helps learners build sentences more naturally and avoid common mistakes. Start with the basic SVO order, and later be mindful of inversion (link to blog), and practice the placement of verbs in subordinate clauses (link to blog). With time, forming Dutch sentences will become second nature!


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Order of the Sentence - Bijzin