Logical consequences with dan ook
When you want to express that an outcome is the logical or expected consequence of a situation, you can use the particle cluster dan ook (therefore / consequently / as expected).
First, let's look at a situation that sets up a clear expectation:
| The frequent overtime is unsustainable by now. | Het vele overwerk is inmiddels onhoudbaar. |
Because the overtime is unsustainable, there is a natural consequence for the employee:
| The employee is therefore very tired. | De werknemer is dan ook erg moe. |
Placement in the sentence
Unlike adverbs that often start a new clause (like daarom), dan ook typically sits right in the middle of the sentence. It usually comes immediately after the conjugated verb and the subject.
You will frequently see it used in the second half of a compound sentence, often following a semicolon or the conjunction en (and), to state the direct result of the first half.
| The work pressure is high; therefore, we keep complaining. | De werkdruk is hoog; we blijven dan ook klagen. |
| He has a burnout and therefore takes leave. | Hij heeft een burn-out en neemt dan ook verlof. |
The realities of high work pressure
This structure is extremely useful when discussing cause and effect in professional environments, such as dealing with sick leave (het ziekteverzuim) and high work pressure (de werkdruk).
| Sick leave is rising; the employer is therefore worried. | Het ziekteverzuim stijgt; de werkgever is dan ook bezorgd. |
| The work pressure is high; the overtime is therefore unmanageable. | De werkdruk is hoog; het overwerk is dan ook onhoudbaar. |
