onderschikkers

Onderschikkers are words that introduce subordinate clauses in Dutch grammar. They connect a main clause to a dependent clause and indicate the relation between the two, such as time, cause, condition, purpose, concession, or result. They belong to the broader category of subordinating conjunctions and are distinct from nevenschikkers, which join independent clauses of equal status.

Common onderschikkers include dat and omdat (that, because), als and wanneer (if/when), toen en terwijl (then/while), hoewel and toch although, en zodat (so that). Other examples are totdat (until), zodra (as soon as), doordat and doordat (by/through which, as a result), and om te (to …, used with infinitives to express purpose). Infinitival clauses can also be introduced by om, as in Ik ga naar buiten om te luisteren (I go outside to listen).

Syntax and word order: Dutch subordinate clauses typically place the verb at the end of the clause. When the subordinate clause precedes the main clause, the main clause’s finite verb follows the comma, e.g., Omdat het regent, blijven we thuis. In object or content clauses introduced by dat, the entire subordinate clause functions as the object of a verb like denken, weten, or geloven: Ik geloof dat hij komt.

Relation to other constructions: Onderschikkers contrast with nevenschikkers (coordinating conjunctions) that join independent clauses. They also differ from relative pronouns in function; some complementizers (like dat) can appear in both relative and content clauses depending on context.