# Dutch word order: where does the verb go?

Source: https://mykora.nl/blog/dutch-word-order · Sources checked 2026-10-26

Dutch word order follows a few clear rules. Learn where the verb goes, and many sentences become easier.

## 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.

## Sources

- [Onze Taal: Taalloket (Dutch language advice)](https://onzetaal.nl/taalloket)
- [Staatsexamens NT2: how the exam is marked](https://www.staatsexamensnt2.nl/examen-doen-en-uitslag/beoordeling)

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