Subordinate clauses
In a standard Dutch sentence, the verb usually stays in the second position (V2). However, certain signal words act like a magnet. They pull the verbs away from the middle and send them to the very end of the sentence. On the Schrijven (Writing) exam, using these words correctly is the difference between a high score and a deduction. If you use omdat, dat, or als, you must move your verbs to the end.
1. Omdat (Because)
You will use omdat most often in the Formulier (Form) task when you see Geef een toelichting (Give an explanation) or in a Briefje (Note) to give a reason.
- Standard: Ik ben ziek. (I am sick.)
- With omdat: Ik kom niet, omdat ik ziek ben. (I am not coming because I am sick.)
2. Als (If / When)
In the E-mail task, you often need to set conditions for an appointment. Use als to do this.
- Standard: Ik heb tijd. (I have time.)
- With als: Ik kan morgen komen als ik tijd heb. (I can come tomorrow if I have time.)
3. Dat (That)
You use dat after verbs that express a thought, like ik vind (I think) or ik denk (I think).
- Standard: De huur is te hoog. (The rent is too high.)
- With dat: Ik vind dat de huur te hoog is. (I think that the rent is too high.)
Distractor Trap: The V2 Reflex
On the exam, many students forget to move the verb. They write: omdat ik heb geen tijd. This is a major error. Always look for your signal word and push the verb to the end: omdat ik geen tijd heb.