zodat

Zodat is a Dutch conjunction meaning "so that" or "in such a way that." It introduces a purpose or result clause that describes the outcome of an action.

Origin and form: The word is formed from zo (so) and dat (that), and belongs to the class of subordinating conjunctions common in Standard Dutch. It is used in both formal and informal registers.

Usage: Typically follows the main clause and precedes the subordinate clause: Hij trainde dagelijks, zodat hij de wedstrijd kon winnen. The subordinate clause often describes a desired or expected outcome; it can be contrasted with omdat which expresses cause rather than consequence.

Variations and related terms: In some contexts, speakers use zodanig dat or zodoende to convey similar meaning, with nuanced differences from zodat. In proper nouns, capitalized Zodat may appear as a fictional place name, brand, or surname in literature, but such uses are not standardized and vary by text.

See also: so that; equivalents in German (sodass) and English; Dutch grammar notes on subordinating conjunctions.