omdat
/ɔmˈdat/
The English phrase 'because' can be translated into Afrikaans as omdat. Wiktionary also lists aangesien.
Meaning: by or for the cause that, on this account that, for the reason that (conj)
Ways to say it
| Afrikaans | IPA |
|---|---|
| omdat | /ɔmˈdat/ |
| aangesien |
These words are used to express the reason or cause for something, meaning 'by or for the cause that' or 'for the reason that'.
Which one should you use?
While omdat is the standard way to say because, aangesien is often used when the reason is already known to the listener or when you want to say 'since' or 'seeing as'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use omdat as a conjunction, the verb must be placed at the end of the clause.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔmˈdat/
When do people say it?
When someone asks 'why' and you do not wish to provide a specific reason, you can colloquially use sommer to mean 'just because' or 'just because of that'.
Did you know?
- In casual conversation, if someone asks why you did something and you want to be dismissive, you can just say sommer.
- The word omdat is a combined form of om and dat. In older Dutch and early Afrikaans, these were separate words used to introduce a causal clause.
- In spoken Afrikaans, aangesien can sound significantly more formal or 'bookish' than omdat. Using it in a casual street conversation might make the speaker sound unusually stiff or academic.
Examples in context
- Hy voel veilig omdat hy onder ons beskerming is.He feels safe because he is under our protection.This sentence shows how to use omdat to provide a reason for a feeling.Tatoeba #13458377 by Pietpetoors, translation #13455443 by Aghanim
- Ek moes daarntoe loop, omdat my kar afgebreek het.I had to walk there because my car broke down.This sentence demonstrates using omdat to explain the cause of an action.Tatoeba #2784070 by Diablofire, translation #2585764 by CK
- As die idiote sou kompeteer sou jy tweede kom, omdat jy te dof is om eerste te kom.If the idiots would compete, you would be second because you are too idiot to be the first.This sentence uses omdat to explain why someone would place second.Tatoeba #2783280 by Diablofire, translation #1990374 by kingi
- Ek kan nie gaan nie, omdat ek siek is.I can't go because I am sick.
- Alle werknemers moet veiligheidstoerusting dra aangesien dit verpligtend is.All employees must wear safety gear because it is mandatory.
- Ek hou van Afrikaans, want dit is my moedertaal.I like Afrikaans because it is my mother tongue.
- Ek het goeie punte gekry danksy my harde werk.I got good grades because of my hard work.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marelize and Andries are talking about why Marelize is tired.
- MarelizeEk is baie moeg vandag.I am very tired today.
- AndriesHoekom is jy so moeg, Marelize?Why are you so tired, Marelize?
- MarelizeEk is moeg omdat ek sleg geslaap het.I am tired because I slept badly.
- AndriesJy moet vanaand vroeg gaan slaap.You must go to sleep early tonight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “because” translations and entries omdat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries omdat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
