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want = normal order
omdat = verb to the end
graag = like to
liever = prefer to
boltKey Rule
Dutch has two main types of conjunctions. Coordinating conjunctions (en, maar, of, want) do not change the word order. Subordinating conjunctions (omdat, dat, als, toen, hoewel) move all the conjugated verbs to the very end of the clause.
Want vs Omdat (Because)
| Word | Meaning | Word Order | Example |
|---|
| want |
Because |
Subject + Verb (Normal V2) |
Ik eet, want ik heb honger. |
| omdat |
Because |
Verb to the end (Subclause) |
Ik eet, omdat ik honger heb. |
Hij kan niet komen, want hij is ziek.
He cannot come, because he is sick. (Normal order)
Hij kan niet komen, omdat hij ziek is.
He cannot come, because he is sick. (Verb at the end)
Graag, Liever, Liefst
| Adverb | Usage | Example |
|---|
| graag |
I like to / gladly |
Ik drink graag koffie. (I like drinking coffee.) |
| liever |
I prefer to |
Ik drink liever thee. (I prefer drinking tea.) |
| het liefst |
I prefer most |
Ik drink het liefst water. (I prefer drinking water the most.) |