Dutch Grammar Quiz: Main & Subordinate Clauses (Hoofdzin en bijzin)

A hoofdzin (main clause) has normal Dutch V2 word order — the verb is always in second position. A bijzin (subordinate clause) is introduced by a subordinating conjunction, and in a bijzin the finite verb moves to the very end of the clause.

Key rules for Main & Subordinate Clauses

want vs omdat

Both mean "because" but they work differently. want is a coordinating conjunction — the hoofdzin after it keeps normal V2 word order. omdat is a subordinating conjunction — the bijzin verb goes to the END.

Examples

Ik ga niet naar school. — I am not going to school.
...omdat ik ziek ben. — ...because I am sick.
Omdat ik ziek ben, ga ik niet naar school. — Because I am sick, I am not going to school.
...omdat ik ziek ben. — ...because I am sick.
...dat hij moe is. — ...that he is tired.
...als je wilt. — ...if you want.

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Practice: Main & Subordinate Clauses

Key rules for Main & Subordinate Clauses

Examples

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