Introduction: Connecting Ideas with Nuance

At A1/A2, you learned basic subordinating conjunctions like omdat (because), dat (that), als (if/when), terwijl (while), toen (when - past), of (if/whether). At B1, we introduce more complex conjunctions that allow for expressing more nuanced relationships between clauses, such as concession, condition, and time sequence.

Remember: All these conjunctions introduce subordinate clauses (bijzinnen), meaning the conjugated verb moves to the end of that clause.

1. Concession: hoewel (although, even though)

Hoewel introduces a clause that contrasts with the main clause. It concedes a point but then presents an opposing idea.

• Hoewel het regende, gingen we wandelen. (Although it was raining, we went for a walk.)
• (Verb regende at the end of the subordinate clause)
• Ik ging naar het feest, hoewel ik erg moe was. (I went to the party, even though I was very tired.)
• (Verb was at the end)
• Ze slaagde voor het examen, hoewel ze niet veel had gestudeerd. (She passed the exam, although she hadn't studied much.)
• (Auxiliary had at the end)

Synonym: ofschoon (although) - More formal, less common in speech.

2. Condition: tenzij (unless)

Tenzij introduces a negative condition. The main clause is true unless the condition in the tenzij-clause happens.

• We gaan morgen picknicken, tenzij het regent. (We are going for a picnic tomorrow, unless it rains.)
• (Verb regent at the end)
• Je mag niet naar buiten, tenzij je je huiswerk hebt gemaakt. (You may not go outside, unless you have done your homework.)
• (Auxiliary hebt at the end)
• Tenzij je me helpt, ben ik niet op tijd klaar. (Unless you help me, I won't be ready on time.)
• (Verb helpt at the end)

3. Condition: mits (provided that, on the condition that)

Mits introduces a positive condition that must be met for the main clause to be true. It's slightly more formal than als (if).

• Je mag mijn auto lenen, mits je voorzichtig rijdt. (You may borrow my car, provided that you drive carefully.)
• (Verb rijdt at the end)
• We kunnen het project op tijd afronden, mits iedereen meewerkt. (We can finish the project on time, provided that everyone cooperates.)
• (Verb meewerkt at the end)
• Mits het weer goed is, gaan we zeilen. (Provided that the weather is good, we will go sailing.)
• (Verb is at the end)

Synonym: op voorwaarde dat (on the condition that) - More explicit.

4. Time Sequence: nadat (after)

Nadat indicates that the action in the main clause happens after the action in the nadat-clause. The nadat-clause describes the earlier event, often using a perfect tense (V.T.T. or V.V.T. - Past Perfect).

• Nadat ik had gegeten, deed ik de afwas. (After I had eaten, I did the dishes.)
• (V.V.T. in nadat-clause, had at the end)
• Ze belde me op nadat ze thuis was gekomen. (She called me after she had come home.)
• (V.T.T. in nadat-clause, was at the end)
• Je mag spelen nadat je je kamer hebt opgeruimd. (You may play after you have tidied your room.)
• (V.T.T. in nadat-clause, hebt at the end)

5. Time Sequence: voordat (before)

Voordat indicates that the action in the main clause happens before the action in the voordat-clause. The voordat-clause describes the later event.

• Poets je tanden voordat je naar bed gaat. (Brush your teeth before you go to bed.)
• (Verb gaat at the end)
• Ik dronk koffie voordat ik naar mijn werk ging. (I drank coffee before I went to work.)
• (Verb ging at the end)
• Voordat de film begon, kochten we popcorn. (Before the film started, we bought popcorn.)
• (Verb begon at the end)

Synonym: alvorens (before) - More formal.

Word Order Reminder

Remember the golden rule for subordinate clauses introduced by these conjunctions: Conjunction + Subject + (Rest of Clause) + Verb(s) at the End

If the subordinate clause comes first in the sentence, the main clause starts with the verb (inversion):

• Hoewel het regende, gingen we wandelen. (Subordinate Clause first, Main Clause Verb gingen first)
• Nadat ik had gegeten, deed ik de afwas. (Subordinate Clause first, Main Clause Verb deed first)

These conjunctions (hoewel, tenzij, mits, nadat, voordat) add precision and complexity to your sentences. Practice using them to express concession, conditions, and clear time sequences, always remembering the subordinate clause word order.