Dutch conditionals (if clauses)
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In this chapter you will learn about the Dutch conditionals, also known as 'if clauses'. Conditionals describe a certain proviso.
Definition and usage of the Dutch conditional
A conditional is used to describe a certain proviso. The conditional always consists of two elements:
- the condition
- and the result if the condition is fulfilled.
The if clauses in Dutch are formed with the word 'als'. The conjugate, or finite verb has to be placed at the end of the conditional sentence.
The following table shows you the situations in which the conditional is used and examples.
| Situation | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
1. The condition is a possibility and the result is probably going to happen. |
|
|
2. The condition is an event that probably will not happen and the result describes what will happen if the unlikely condition will be fulfilled. |
|
|
| 3. The condition is about an event in the past that did not happen. The result tells you what would have happened if the event took place. |
|
|
You can put the word 'dan' directly after the comma, but it is not mandatory. For example:
- Als ik gestudeerd had, zou ik zijn geslaagd. (If I had studied I would have passed.)
- Als ik gestudeerd had, dan zou ik zijn geslaagd.
2) Concordance of tenses with the Dutch conditional
The conjugation of verbs in the conditional in the present and in the past tenses is quite easy to master, but it is necessary to respect the tense concordance.
| Main clause | Subordinate clause | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| present simple | present simple | Als je al je groenten eet, krijg je dessert. | If you eat all your vegetables, you get dessert. |
| present simple | future simple | Als u dokter wordt, zult u in een ziekenhuis werken. | If you become a doctor, you will be working in a hospital. |
| past simple | conditional present | Als hij wat langer kon slapen, zou hij meer uitgerust zijn. | If he slept a bit longer, he would be more rested. |
| past perfect | conditional perfect | Als we hen hadden gewaarschuwd, zouden ze het besmette water niet hebben gedronken. | If we had warned them, they would not have drunk the contaminated water. |
In the spoken langage, the conditional perfect is often replaced by the past perfect. This avoids long verbal groups when a modal verb (moeten, kunnen, mogen, willen) is used for example.
Examples
- Als hij het hout had gekapt, hadden we een vuur kunnen maken. = If he had cut the wood, we could have made a fire.
- Hij had de commode moeten vervangen. = He should have replaced the dresser.
And now, practice using the exercises below!
Exercises
Exercise Dutch conditionals
Practice the Dutch conditionals
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I am also an NLP Practitioner
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I would love to teach the Dutch language in an informal way with the accent on learning to speak the language. Grammar is also important. We can talk about any topic. I would like to help you making progress and have a lot of experience in creating an individual plan for every student based on your needs
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Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
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Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
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Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
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My lessons are adapted to your level and due to my job and experience I have acces to teaching methodes to learn you the basics of the Dutch language or to improve your level. I can help you to improve your level of writing and speaking or help you learn your first words and phrases.
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It is my goal to adapt my lessons as much as possible to the wishes of the student. This means that, besides offering regular learning methods, I am open to initiatives like talking about subjects that are of interest to the student, for example reading and discussing articles, watching and discussing educational videos and/or current happenings in the world.
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