Dutch word order: why the verb goes to the end

Why does a Dutch person say Morgen ga ik and not Morgen ik ga? And why does the verb suddenly jump to the end in omdat ik ziek ben? Three rules explain almost everything.

Short answer: in a normal Dutch sentence the verb is always second. If you start with something else than the subject (a time, a place), the subject moves behind the verb: Morgen ga ik. After words like omdat, dat and als, the verb goes to the end: omdat ik ziek ben.

1 The verb comes second

Whatever you put first, the verb stays in place two. English speakers often say Morgen ik ga: Dutch people will understand you, but it is the most common mistake there is.

Tip: after en, maar, of and want nothing changes: Ik ben moe, want ik heb slecht geslapen.

2 After omdat, dat, als: the verb goes to the end

Words like omdat (because), dat (that), als (if, when), wanneer, zodat and terwijl start a side sentence. In that side sentence the verb moves to the very end:

3 Two verbs: the second one waits at the end

With willen, kunnen, moeten, gaan or with hebben/zijn in the past, the first verb takes place two and the second one goes to the end: Ik wil morgen naar de markt gaan. Ik heb gisteren hard gewerkt.

Say Morgen ik ga and every Dutch person will understand you. Some will also correct you. That is very Dutch, and very useful.

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