aangesien

Aangesien is a Dutch word that functions as a conjunction. It is primarily used to introduce a subordinate clause that provides a reason or cause for the main clause. The meaning of "aangesien" is similar to "since," "because," or "seeing that" in English.

This conjunction is often used to explain the rationale behind a statement or action. For example, in the sentence "Aangesien het regende, bleven we binnen" (Since it was raining, we stayed inside), "aangesien het regende" explains why the action in the main clause occurred. It establishes a cause-and-effect relationship.

While "omdat" is another common conjunction for expressing cause in Dutch, "aangesien" often carries a slightly more formal or established tone. It can imply that the reason provided is already known or generally accepted, or it can be used to present a more deliberate explanation.

"Aangesien" can also be used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce the reason for a subsequent statement, similar to how "since" can be used in English. For instance, "Aangesien je al hier bent, kun je me helpen" (Since you are already here, you can help me). The placement of the subordinate clause introduced by "aangesien" can sometimes vary, but it typically follows the main clause or precedes it to set the context. Understanding "aangesien" is key to grasping nuanced causal relationships in Dutch.