Relative Pronouns with Prepositions
When a relative clause refers back to a person, you can use a preposition followed by wie (e.g., de persoon met wie...). However, when referring back to an inanimate object or a concept (like an apartment or an offer), Dutch uses a different structure.
Instead of a standard relative pronoun, you combine waar with the preposition to create a single word.
- in becomes waarin (in which)
- voor becomes waarvoor (for which)
- over becomes waarover (about which)
- op becomes waarop (on which)
| This is the apartment we had the viewing in. | Dit is het appartement waarin wij de bezichtiging hadden. |
| The house they are bidding a lot of money for is old. | Het huis waarvoor zij veel geld bieden, is oud. |
| This is the offer the owner is thinking about. | Dit is het bod waarover de eigenaar nadenkt. |
| The house that we are bidding on is spacious. | Het huis waarop wij bieden, is ruim. |
The Preposition "Met"
When combining waar with the preposition met (with), the preposition changes its spelling to mee. This creates the word waarmee (with which).
| The key you open the door with is lying on the table. | De sleutel waarmee je de deur opent, ligt op de tafel. |
Word Order in Relative Clauses
Because relative clauses are a type of subordinate clause, they follow standard subordinate word order. The conjugated verb is pushed to the very end of the relative clause.
If the relative clause interrupts the main sentence, place commas around it. The rest of the main sentence will continue immediately after the relative clause's verb.
| The office the real estate agent works in is very spacious. | Het kantoor waarin de makelaar werkt, is erg ruim. |
| The chair the owner is sitting on is broken. | De stoel waarop de eigenaar zit, is kapot. |
