Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| omdat | /ɔmˈdɑt/ | |
| aangezien | /ˌaːŋ.ɣəˈzin/ | |
| daar | /daːr/ | formal |
| want | /ʋɑnt/ |
These words are used to express a reason or cause. While omdat is the standard way to express why something is happening, other forms like aangezien or want can be used depending on the level of formality and the structure of the sentence.
Which one should you use?
The choice between these words depends on both the focus of your sentence and the word order you use. Omdat is used when the reason is the most important part of the sentence. In contrast, want is often used to provide additional information or a justification. Additionally, while omdat is used to provide the reason, the related word daarom is used to express the consequence, meaning "that's why" or "therefore".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The terms vary in their level of formality. Aangezien is a formal way to say "since" or "given that". Want is considered an informal way to say "because". Daar is a formal option for expressing a reason.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The words you choose will change how you structure your sentence. The conjunction omdat triggers a subordinate clause, which means the conjugated verb must move to the end of that clause. However, unlike omdat, the conjunction want is a coordinating conjunction and does not change the word order, leaving the verb in its standard position.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔmˈdɑt/
Did you know?
- The conjunction want shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'when', stemming from the Proto-Germanic *hwandê.
Examples in context
- Omdat u het verkoopt.Because you sell it.This sentence shows how to use omdat to explain a reason.Tatoeba #9803049 by Micsmithel, translation #7799908 by shekitten
- Omdat het te groot is.Because it's too big.This sentence demonstrates using omdat with a reason involving size.Tatoeba #730153 by martinod, translation #434314 by lukaszpp
- Daar ligt het niet aan.It's not because of that.This sentence uses daar to state what something is not caused by.Tatoeba #11553538 by megamanenm, translation #11553539 by megamanenm
- Ik ben moe omdat ik gisteravond laat ben gaan slapen.I am tired because I went to bed late last night.
- De vergadering is uitgesteld omdat de directeur ziek is.The meeting has been postponed because the director is sick.
- Ze moeten haast maken omdat de trein bijna vertrekt.They need to hurry because the train is about to depart.
- Ik kan niet mee naar het feestje want ik moet werken.I can't come to the party because I have to work.
- Ik ga niet mee naar het concert, want ik houd niet van die band.I'm not going to the concert because I don't like that band.
- 395 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Levi and Lisa are talking about why Levi is staying home.
- LeviIk blijf vandaag thuis.I am staying home today.
- LisaWaarom doe je dat, Levi?Why are you doing that, Levi?
- LeviIk blijf thuis omdat ik ziek ben.I am staying home because I am sick.
- LisaDat is jammer, beterschap!That is a shame, get well soon!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “because” translations and entries omdat, aangezien, daar, want, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries daar, omdat, want, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
