Teaching guidelines +/- 15 minutes

This lesson covers basic Dutch coordinating conjunctions: 'en' (and) to connect ideas, 'maar' (but) for contrast, 'of' (or) to offer choices, and 'want' (because) to explain reasons.
  1. A conjunction can be placed between two equal parts of a sentence.
VoegwoordGebruikVoorbeeld
EnVoegt twee delen samen (Joins two parts)Ik eet brood en kaas.
MaarTegenstelling (Contrast)Ik wil soep, maar ik heb geen lepel.
OfKeuze (Choice)Wil je thee of koffie?
WantReden (Reason)Ik eet soep, want het is koud.

Exercise 1: Nevenschikkende voegwoorden (en, maar, of, want)

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

of, maar, en, want

1.
Hij heeft honger, ... hij heeft niet ontbeten.
(He is hungry, because he did not have breakfast.)
2.
Hij drinkt koffie, ... zonder suiker.
(He drinks coffee, but without sugar.)
3.
Wil je rijst ... aardappelen?
(Do you want rice or potatoes?)
4.
Zij koopt een jas, ... het is koud.
(She buys a coat, because it is cold.)
5.
Ik lees een boek ... luister naar muziek.
(I am reading a book and listening to music.)
6.
Ik eet graag brood ... kaas.
(I like to eat bread and cheese.)
7.
Ik drink thee, ... ik lust geen koffie.
(I drink tea because I don't like coffee.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. Ik drink koffie ___ ik eet brood 's ochtends.

(I drink coffee ___ I eat bread in the morning.)

2. Ik wil thee, ___ ik heb geen suiker.

(I want tea, ___ I have no sugar.)

3. Wil je kaas ___ ham op je brood?

(Do you want cheese ___ ham on your bread?)

4. Ik eet soep ___ het is koud buiten.

(I eat soup ___ it is cold outside.)

5. Ik drink water ___ ik neem een appel als tussendoortje.

(I drink water ___ I take an apple as a snack.)

6. Ik wil koffie ___ thee na het eten.

(I want coffee ___ tea after eating.)

Introduction to Coordinating Conjunctions in Dutch: en, maar, of, want

This lesson focuses on understanding and using the most common coordinating conjunctions in Dutch: en (and), maar (but), of (or), and want (because). These words connect words, phrases, or clauses that are equal or similar in structure, helping you build more complex and meaningful sentences.

What Are Coordinating Conjunctions?

Coordinating conjunctions link parts of a sentence that have the same grammatical function. Unlike subordinating conjunctions, they combine elements in a way that treats them as equals.

Common Coordinating Conjunctions and Their Uses

  • en: adds information. Example: "Ik eet brood en kaas." (I eat bread and cheese.)
  • maar: expresses contrast or opposition. Example: "Ik wil soep, maar ik heb geen lepel." (I want soup, but I have no spoon.)
  • of: presents a choice between alternatives. Example: "Wil je thee of koffie?" (Do you want tea or coffee?)
  • want: gives a reason or explanation. Example: "Ik eet soep, want het is koud." (I eat soup because it is cold.)

Key Points to Remember

  • Coordinating conjunctions connect words or clauses that are grammatically equal.
  • Positionally, they usually stand between two similar sentence parts without changing word order.
  • Using these conjunctions helps your Dutch sound more fluent and natural.

Differences Between English and Dutch Use of Conjunctions

While English and Dutch share similar conjunctions in meaning, the word order does not always change the same way. For example, in Dutch, coordinating conjunctions like en, maar, of, and want do not alter the word order in the clauses they connect, unlike subordinating conjunctions which send the verb to the end. In English, sentence structure often remains consistent regardless of the conjunction used.

Useful phrases:

  • Ik drink koffie en ik eet brood. — I drink coffee and I eat bread.
  • Ik wil thee, maar ik heb geen suiker. — I want tea, but I have no sugar.
  • Wil je kaas of ham op je brood? — Do you want cheese or ham on your bread?
  • Ik eet soep, want het is koud buiten. — I eat soup, because it is cold outside.

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Kato De Paepe

Business and languages

KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp

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Last Updated:

Thursday, 17/07/2025 17:06