Connectors: en, maar, want, of, dus
To get a high score on the Schrijven (Writing) part of your exam, you must show you can connect sentences. The rubric used by DUO gives points for Coherentie (coherence). If you only write short, separate sentences like Ik kom niet. and Ik ben ziek., your text looks like a list. By using connectors like want (because) or maar (but), you show you are an A2-level writer.
The best part about en, maar, want, and of is that they are 'safe' connectors. They do not change the word order. The sentence following these words stays in the normal pattern: Subject + Verb.
The 'Big Four' (No word order change)
- en (and): Use this to add information.
- maar (but): Use this for a contrast or a complaint.
- want (because): Use this to give a reason.
- of (or): Use this to show a choice.
Want vs. omdat: use both
Use want as your safe everyday connector — the word order stays the same as a normal sentence. But commit to at least one omdat sentence per text. On Schrijven, a correct omdat clause is exactly the kind of A2 connector the assessor needs to see to award the Coherentie point (0–1). On the Spreken exam, the same move earns the Structuur point (0–1).
Compare:
- Ik kom niet, want ik ben ziek. (Safe: Subject + Verb)
- Ik kom niet, omdat ik ziek ben. (Verb at the end — earns the Coherentie point on Schrijven, the Structuur point on Spreken)
Lesson 12 covers the verb-at-the-end mechanics for omdat, als and dat in full.
The exception: dus
The word dus (so/therefore) is a bit different. When you start the second part of your sentence with dus, the verb usually comes first (inversion).
Example: Het regent, dus neem ik een paraplu mee. (Notice: dus + verb + subject).