Focusing with Wat
To emphasize the most important part of a statement, start your sentence with wat (what) and place the focused information at the very end. This works just like "What I want, is..." in English.
| What inspires me, is meaningful work. | Wat mij inspireert, is betekenisvol werk. |
Sentence Structure
These emphasis sentences are built in two parts:
- The wat clause: This acts as the subject. Because it is a subordinate clause, its verbs go at the end.
- The main verb and focus: The wat clause is followed by a comma, the main verb (usually is), and the emphasized information.
| What we cherish, is our family. | Wat wij koesteren, is onze familie. |
| What is crucial, is the meaning of this project. | Wat cruciaal is, is de betekenis van dit project. |
If the wat clause contains multiple verbs, they all go right before the comma.
| What he wants to solve, is the injustice in the world. | Wat hij wil oplossen, is het onrecht in de wereld. |
Emphasizing Entire Clauses
The focus at the end of the sentence doesn't have to be a simple noun.
| What they sacrifice, is their freedom. | Wat zij opofferen, is hun vrijheid. |
If the emphasized part is a new clause (like one starting with dat), it follows standard subordinate rules, sending its own verbs to the end of the sentence.
| What is essential, is that we realize our dreams. | Wat wezenlijk is, is dat wij onze dromen waarmaken. |
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