What is a Hoofdzin?
A hoofdzin (main clause) is a complete sentence that can stand alone. It has a subject and a verb, and it gives a complete thought.
What is a Bijzin?
A bijzin (subordinate clause) is a part of a sentence that cannot stand alone. It provides extra information and is dependent on the hoofdzin.
Woordvolgorde (Word Order)
In Dutch, the word order changes in hoofdzin and bijzin.
Hoofdzin:
- Subject (onderwerp) comes first.
- Then the verb (werkwoord).
| Example | English |
|---|---|
| Ik eet een appel. | I eat an apple. |
| Jij gaat naar school. | You go to school. |
Bijzin:
- The verb goes to the end of the clause.
- The sentence usually starts with a conjunction (like omdat, dat, wanneer).
| Example | English |
|---|---|
| Ik weet dat jij eet. | I know that you eat. |
| Wanneer jij komt, gaan we eten. | When you come, we will eat. |
Summary
Remember: In a hoofdzin, the subject comes first and then the verb. In a bijzin, the verb goes at the end.