In fables and proverbs, general rules often use words like "whoever" or "whatever." In Dutch, you can do this with independent relative clauses starting with wie (who/whoever) and wat (what/whatever).
Unlike normal relative clauses that describe a noun, an independent relative clause acts as the noun itself. It can function as the entire subject or object of your sentence.
Because it is a subordinate clause, its verb goes to the end. If this clause starts the sentence, it occupies the first grammatical position. The main sentence must then follow immediately with its verb in the second position, resulting in two verbs side by side, separated by a comma.
| Whoever trusts the fox, believes a liar. | Wie de vos vertrouwt, gelooft een leugenaar. |
| Whoever brags everywhere, fails like the hare failed. | Wie overal opschept, faalt zoals de haas faalde. |
Using 'Wat'
Use wat for things, actions, or concepts. The word order rules remain exactly the same.
| Whatever the tortoise uses, is no trick. | Wat de schildpad gebruikt, is geen list. |
| What the liar promised, was a trick. | Wat de leugenaar beloofde, was een list. |
Formulating Morals
Because independent relative clauses are perfect for stating universal truths and consequences, they are extremely common in moral lessons. You can even use both wie and wat in the same sentence:
| Whoever is greedy, loses what he has. | Wie hebzuchtig is, verliest wat hij heeft. |