ELONIO

Result clauses (zo ... dat)

Cause and Effect: Zo ... dat

To express that a situation is so extreme it causes a certain result, Dutch uses zo (so) paired with dat (that).

  • The Cause (Main clause): Place zo directly before an adjective or adverb.
  • The Result (dat clause): Since dat introduces a subordinate clause, all verbs are pushed to the end.
I am so exhausted that I cannot work.
Ik ben zo uitgeput dat ik niet kan werken.
You (formal) are so stressed that you cannot sleep.
U bent zo gestrest dat u niet kunt slapen.

Multiple Adjectives

You can link multiple adjectives after zo. The word order rules for the result clause remain exactly the same.

She is so exhausted and stressed that she is becoming sick.
Zij is zo uitgeput en gestrest dat ze ziek wordt.

Describing Extreme States

You will use these structures with new vocabulary describing intense emotions and physical conditions. Always remember to keep the verbs at the end of the dat clause.

We are so desperate that we must call you.
Wij zijn zo wanhopig dat we jullie moeten bellen.
The mother is so worried that she cries.
De moeder is zo bezorgd dat ze huilt.
The man is so furious that he says nothing.
De man is zo woedend dat hij niets zegt.
The boy is so overjoyed that he laughs.
De jongen is zo dolblij dat hij lacht.
I am so shocked that I do not say a word.
Ik ben zo geschokt dat ik geen woord zeg.
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