The relative pronoun "wat" with indefinite words
In Dutch, you generally use die or dat as relative pronouns to refer back to a specific noun. However, when your relative pronoun refers back to an indefinite word like alles (everything), iets (something), or niets (nothing), you must use wat.
| Almost everything that bothers him is forgotten. | Vrijwel alles wat hem stoort, is vergeten. |
| There is nothing that is remarkable about his point of view. | Er is niets wat merkwaardig is aan zijn standpunt. |
This rule also applies to descriptive concepts that do not reference a specific noun, such as het enige (the only thing).
| The only thing that bothers me is the noise. | Het enige wat mij stoort, is het lawaai. |
Referring back to an entire clause
You will also use wat when you want a relative pronoun to point back to a whole preceding sentence, situation, or idea. In English, this is typically translated as "which".
Because wat introduces a relative clause, it triggers subordinate word order. This means that all verbs in the wat clause get sent to the end of the sentence.
| Her attitude has changed, which completely fascinates me. | Haar houding is veranderd, wat mij volkomen fascineert. |
| Their approach is new, which stands out to everyone. | Hun aanpak is nieuw, wat iedereen opvalt. |
| He regrets his remark, which I understand, however. | Hij betreurt zijn opmerking, wat ik echter begrijp. |
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