In Dutch, as in many other languages, subordinate sentences play an important role in constructing complex sentences. A subordinate sentence is a type of sentence that cannot stand alone as a complete thought but instead depends on the main or independent clause to give it meaning. These sentences provide additional information, express relationships, and create more nuanced and detailed expressions. In this article, we will explore the basics of Dutch subordinate sentences, including their structure, types, and some examples to help you understand and use them effectively.
Definition of Subordinate Sentences:
A subordinate sentence, also known as a dependent clause, is a sentence that relies on another sentence (the main or independent clause) to form a complete thought. Subordinate sentences provide additional information, clarification, or modify the main clause in some way. They cannot stand alone as complete sentences and are usually introduced by conjunctions or relative pronouns.
Structure of Subordinate Sentences:
In Dutch, subordinate sentences generally have a different word order compared to main clauses. The verb is usually positioned at the end of the sentence, unlike the second position rule in main clauses. Additionally, the word order within the subordinate clause can also be different depending on the type of subordinate clause used.
Types of Subordinate Sentences:
Dutch subordinate sentences can be classified into various types based on their function and the conjunctions or relative pronouns used to introduce them. Here are some common types:
a. Subordinate Sentences of Time: These sentences provide information about when an action took place or will take place. They are introduced by conjunctions like “toen” (when), “voordat” (before), “nadat” (after), etc. For example:
Ik ga slapen wanneer de zon ondergaat. (I go to sleep when the sun sets.)
Hij begon te koken nadat hij thuis kwam. (He started cooking after he came home.)
b. Subordinate Sentences of Cause: These sentences explain the reason or cause behind an action. They are introduced by conjunctions like “omdat” (because), “aangezien” (since), “aangezien” (seeing that), etc. For example:
Ik ben moe omdat ik niet goed geslapen heb. (I am tired because I didn’t sleep well.)
Hij is laat aangekomen aangezien er een file was. (He arrived late since there was a traffic jam.)
c. Subordinate Sentences of Purpose: These sentences express the purpose or goal of an action. They are introduced by conjunctions like “om” (in order to), “zodat” (so that), “opdat” (so that), etc. For example:
Ik studeer hard zodat ik goede cijfers haal. (I study hard so that I can get good grades.)
We zijn gekomen om je te helpen. (We have come to help you.)
d. Subordinate Sentences of Condition: These sentences describe a condition that must be fulfilled for another action to take place. They are introduced by conjunctions like “als” (if), “indien” (if), “tenzij” (unless), etc. For example:
Als het regent, neem ik mijn paraplu mee. (If it rains, I will take my umbrella.)
Tenzij je op tijd bent, mis je de trein. (Unless you are on time, you will miss the train.)
e. Subordinate Sentences of Concession: These sentences express a concession or contrast to the main clause. They are introduced by conjunctions like “hoewel” (although), “ook al” (even though), “ondanks dat” (despite), etc. For example:
Hoewel het regent, gaan we toch naar buiten. (Although it is raining, we are still going outside.)
Hij is gekozen ondanks zijn gebrek aan ervaring. (He was chosen despite his lack of experience.)
Word Order in Subordinate Sentences:
As mentioned earlier, the word order in subordinate sentences is different from that in main clauses. The verb is typically placed at the end of the sentence, and other elements can be rearranged. Here is a basic structure for a subordinate sentence in Dutch:
Subject + Conjunction + Verb (at the end) + Object(s) + Other Elements
It is important to note that the word order within the subordinate clause can vary depending on the type of subordinate sentence and the presence of certain conjunctions.
In conclusion, subordinate sentences are an essential aspect of Dutch grammar, allowing for more complex and detailed expressions. They add depth and provide additional information, clarifications, reasons, conditions, and concessions to the main clause. By understanding the different types of subordinate sentences and their structures, you can enhance your Dutch language skills and create more sophisticated and meaningful sentences. Practice using subordinate sentences in various contexts to improve your proficiency and fluency in Dutch communication.
Quick quiz
Exercise 1:
Identify the type of subordinate sentence in the following example:
Example: Hij ging naar de winkel omdat hij brood moest kopen.
a) Subordinate sentence of time
b) Subordinate sentence of cause
c) Subordinate sentence of purpose
d) Subordinate sentence of condition
Answer: b) Subordinate sentence of cause
Explanation: The subordinate sentence “omdat hij brood moest kopen” explains the reason or cause behind the main action of “Hij ging naar de winkel” (He went to the store). The conjunction “omdat” indicates that it is a subordinate sentence of cause.
Exercise 2:
Choose the correct conjunction to complete the subordinate sentence:
Example: Ik ga naar bed __ de wekker vroeg gaat.
a) als
b) omdat
c) zodat
d) tenzij
Answer: c) zodat
Explanation: The sentence expresses the purpose or goal of going to bed. The correct conjunction to indicate purpose is “zodat,” which means “so that” in English. The completed sentence would be “Ik ga naar bed zodat de wekker vroeg gaat” (I go to bed so that the alarm clock goes off early).
Exercise 3:
Identify the word order of the subordinate sentence in the following example:
Example: Hij begon te koken nadat hij thuiskwam.
a) Subject + Conjunction + Verb (at the end) + Object(s) + Other Elements
b) Conjunction + Subject + Verb (at the end) + Object(s) + Other Elements
c) Conjunction + Object(s) + Subject + Verb (at the end) + Other Elements
d) Subject + Verb (at the end) + Conjunction + Object(s) + Other Elements
Answer: a) Subject + Conjunction + Verb (at the end) + Object(s) + Other Elements
Explanation: The subordinate sentence “nadat hij thuiskwam” follows the structure of a Dutch subordinate sentence. The subject “hij,” the conjunction “nadat,” and the verb “thuiskwam” are arranged in the correct order.
Exercise 4:
Identify the type of subordinate sentence in the following example:
Example: Ze kan niet gaan, tenzij ze haar werk af heeft.
a) Subordinate sentence of time
b) Subordinate sentence of cause
c) Subordinate sentence of purpose
d) Subordinate sentence of condition
Answer: d) Subordinate sentence of condition
Explanation: The subordinate sentence “tenzij ze haar werk af heeft” describes a condition that must be fulfilled for the action of going to take place. The conjunction “tenzij” indicates a condition, making it a subordinate sentence of condition.
Exercise 5:
Choose the correct conjunction to complete the subordinate sentence:
Example: Ik heb mijn jas aangedaan __ ik naar buiten ga.
a) als
b) omdat
c) zodat
d) voordat
Answer: a) als
Explanation: The sentence expresses a condition for putting on the coat. The correct conjunction to indicate a condition is “als,” which means “if” in English. The completed sentence would be “Ik heb mijn jas aangedaan als ik naar buiten ga” (I put on my coat if I go outside).
Exercise 6:
Identify the word order of the subordinate sentence in the following example:
Example: Hoewel het regent, gaan we toch naar buiten.
a) Subject + Conjunction + Verb (at the end) + Object(s) + Other Elements
b) Conjunction + Subject + Verb (at the end) + Object(s) + Other Elements
c) Conjunction + Object(s) + Subject + Verb (at the end) + Other Elements
d) Subject + Verb (at the end) + Conjunction + Object(s) + Other Elements
Answer: b) Conjunction + Subject + Verb (at the end) + Object(s) + Other Elements
Explanation: The subordinate sentence “Hoewel het regent” begins with the conjunction “hoewel” and is followed by the subject “het” and the verb “regent.” The word order in this sentence follows the pattern of a Dutch subordinate sentence.
Exercise 7:
Identify the type of subordinate sentence in the following example:
Example: Ik studeer hard zodat ik goede cijfers haal.
a) Subordinate sentence of time
b) Subordinate sentence of cause
c) Subordinate sentence of purpose
d) Subordinate sentence of condition
Answer: c) Subordinate sentence of purpose
Explanation: The subordinate sentence “zodat ik goede cijfers haal” expresses the purpose or goal of studying hard. The conjunction “zodat” indicates a purpose, making it a subordinate sentence of purpose.
Exercise 8:
Choose the correct conjunction to complete the subordinate sentence:
Example: Hij is tevreden __ hij een nieuwe baan heeft gevonden.
a) als
b) omdat
c) zodat
d) hoewel
Answer: b) omdat
Explanation: The sentence explains the reason for his satisfaction. The correct conjunction to indicate cause is “omdat,” which means “because” in English. The completed sentence would be “Hij is tevreden omdat hij een nieuwe baan heeft gevonden” (He is satisfied because he found a new job).
Exercise 9:
Identify the word order of the subordinate sentence in the following example:
Example: We zijn gekomen om je te helpen.
a) Subject + Conjunction + Verb (at the end) + Object(s) + Other Elements
b) Conjunction + Subject + Verb (at the end) + Object(s) + Other Elements
c) Conjunction + Object(s) + Subject + Verb (at the end) + Other Elements
d) Subject + Verb (at the end) + Conjunction + Object(s) + Other Elements
Answer: a) Subject + Conjunction + Verb (at the end) + Object(s) + Other Elements
Explanation: The subordinate sentence “om je te helpen” follows the structure of a Dutch subordinate sentence. The subject “we,” the conjunction “om,” and the verb “te helpen” are arranged in the correct order.
Exercise 10:
Identify the type of subordinate sentence in the following example:
Example: Ik kom even langs, voordat ik naar huis ga.
a) Subordinate sentence of time
b) Subordinate sentence of cause
c) Subordinate sentence of purpose
d) Subordinate sentence of condition
Answer: a) Subordinate sentence of time
Explanation: The subordinate sentence “voordat ik naar huis ga” provides information about when an action takes place. The conjunction “voordat” indicates time, making it a subordinate sentence of time.
Originally posted 2023-01-19 14:44:23.