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Conjunctions
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Erik kookt een ei en hij zet koffie. Erik boils an egg and he makes
coffee.
Erik kookt eieren en aardappels. Erik boils eggs and potatoes.
De eieren zijn hard, droog en The eggs are hard, dry, and
smakeloos. tasteless.
The function of of is to create the choice between alternatives. This conjunction
can also link sentences and parts of sentences that are equal in
form and function.
We spelen een spelletje of we We play a game or we watch TV.
kijken tv.
Spelen we Scrabble of Monopoly? Are we playing Scrabble or
Monopoly?
Wil je je ei hard of zacht gekookt? Do you want your egg hard or
soft boiled?
In indirect questions (Basic Dutch Unit 23), the word of means ‘if’ or
‘whether’. In an indirect question, the verb goes to the end of the sentence.
Example:
Ik wil graag weten of u deze trui in mijn maat heeft.
I would like to know if you have this sweater in my size.
The function of maar is to create a contrast between sentences and parts
of sentences.
Dit ei is hard, maar het smaakt lekker. This egg is hard but it tastes
good.
De hond van Erik is lelijk maar lief. Erik’s dog is ugly but sweet.
The function of want is to give a reason or an explanation for what
happens in the first sentence. This conjunction is primarily used to link
complete sentences.
We blijven thuis want het regent. We’re staying in because it’s
raining.
Ik kan je niet helpen want ik heb I can’t help you because I have
geen tijd. no time.