Dutch Sentence Word Order

The finite verb is ALWAYS in 2nd position.

Conjunctions maar, en, of, want, dus connect two main clauses. The word order does NOT change - the verb stays in 2nd position in both parts!

The finite verb (persoonsvorm) goes to second position, and the remaining verbs in infinitive form go to the end.

If the sentence does NOT start with the subject, the verb stays in the 2nd position and the subject moves after it. This is a consequence of the fixed position of the verb (V2).

When the subordinate clause is at the beginning, it takes position 1, so the main clause uses inversion:

After non-MEOWD* conjunctions (dat, omdat, als, wanneer, hoewel, terwijl...), the verb(s) go to the end of the sentence.

*MEOWD = maar, en, of, want, dus

Comparison

A modal verb (kunnen, moeten, willen, mogen, zullen, hoeven) goes in 2nd position, and the infinitive goes at the end.

Option 1 (common):

Option 2 (also correct, more formal):

Option 1 (more common):

Option 2 (also correct, more formal):

"Niet" usually appears BEFORE what is negated, or at the end of the sentence.

"Niet" goes BEFORE the verbal group at the end of the subordinate clause.

In Dutch, adverbials follow the order: TIME → MANNER → PLACE

Relative pronouns introduce a subordinate clause, so the verb goes to the end.

Tegenwoordige tijd: in the main clause the prefix separates and moves to the end.

In the perfectum the prefix, ge- and the stem merge into one word.

The verb stays together and moves to the end.

Simpler option:

"Om...te" is used when there is a clear purpose or goal.

Why? The infinitive is a direct continuation of the main verb action, not a separate goal.

PROBEREN (to try):

BELOVEN (to promise):

"Te" is inserted BETWEEN the prefix and the stem.

Pronouns come right after the verb, before nouns.

Weak pronouns (me, je, ze, het):

Almost always right after the verb