Zinsverband

Zinsverband is a term used in Dutch grammar to describe the relation between clauses within a sentence. It concerns how parts of a sentence are connected to convey meaning, structure and grammatical fidelity. Proper zinsverband ensures that main clauses and subordinate elements form a coherent whole and that the intended logical or temporal relations are clear to the reader.

There are two primary types of zinsverband: nevenschikking and onderschikking. Nevenschikking, or coordination, links two or more clauses of equal syntactic importance using coordinating conjunctions such as en (and), maar (but), of (or), want (for), and dus (therefore). The clauses can often stand alone as independent sentences, but are joined to express a closer relationship or sequence. Onderschikking, or subordination, arranges one clause as dependent on another. A bijzin (subordinate clause) is introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as omdat (because), als (if), terwijl (while), wanneer (when), zodat (so that), or relative pronouns like die, dat. Subordinate clauses function as objects, adverbials, or attribute clauses within the main clause, and the verb order in the bijzin often places the finite verb at the end.

Zinsverband also covers the kinds of logical relations signaled within a sentence, such as tijd (time), oorzaak (cause), gevolg (consequence), voorwaarde (condition), doel (purpose) and toelichting (explanation). Punctuation typically reflects the chosen relation: a subordinate clause placed before the main clause is usually separated by a comma, while a main clause first may not require a comma before the subordinate element.

In usage, zinsverband interacts with tekstverband (overall coherence) and signaalwoorden (transition words) to guide readers through the flow of information.