Dutch word order: where does the verb go?
Dutch word order follows a few clear rules. Learn where the verb goes, and many sentences become easier.
By the Kora team: Alex, Mariel and Abena, who did inburgering themselves. Written with help from AI. Every fact is checked against the official source. How we write our guides
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-26 · Plain text version to copy (.md)
Rule 1: the verb is in second place
In a normal Dutch sentence, the verb is the second part of the sentence.
- Ik werk in Utrecht.
- Mijn zus woont in Amsterdam.
Rule 2: start with time or place? The subject moves
If you start with something else, like a time or a place, the verb stays in second place and the subject comes after it. This is called inversion.
- Morgen werk ik thuis.
- In de zomer gaan wij naar Spanje.
Rule 3: after omdat, dat, als, the verb goes to the end
Words like omdat, dat, als, wanneer and zodat start a subordinate clause. In that part of the sentence, the verb goes to the end.
- Ik kom niet, omdat ik ziek ben.
- Ik denk dat de winkel morgen open is.
Linking words that change nothing
En, maar, want and dus connect two normal sentences without changing the word order.
- Ik woon in Utrecht en ik werk in Amsterdam.
- Ik kom niet, want ik ben ziek.
Why it matters for B1
In the B1 Staatsexamen writing exam, many sentence tasks ask for a specific construction, like a sentence with omdat or a sentence that starts with a given word. Correct word order is part of the grammar mark.
Questions
Where does the verb go in a Dutch sentence?
In a normal sentence, in second place. After omdat, dat or als, at the end.
What is inversion?
When you start a sentence with something other than the subject, like a time, the verb stays second and the subject comes after it: Morgen werk ik.
Do want and omdat work the same?
No. After want the word order stays normal. After omdat the verb goes to the end.
Official sources
General information, not legal advice. Your letters from DUO and your municipality decide what applies to you.
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