Verb-First Conditionals
In Dutch, you can create an "if" statement without actually using the word for "if" (als). Instead, you simply start the clause with the verb.
This verb-first structure is very common in everyday Dutch for expressing conditions, especially when explaining rules, contracts, or consequences.
| If you cancel the subscription, then you pay less. | Zeg je het abonnement op, dan betaal je minder. |
| If we extend the subscription, then it costs money. | Verlengen we het abonnement, dan kost het geld. |
The Result Clause with "Dan"
When you use a verb-first conditional, the second half of the sentence (the result clause) almost always starts with dan (then).
Because dan occupies the first position of this main clause, the standard verb-second rule kicks in: the verb must come immediately after dan, pushing the subject to the third position.
| If you do nothing, then we extend the membership automatically. | Doe je niets, dan verlengen we het lidmaatschap automatisch. |
| If you pay automatically, then it is easy. | Betaal je automatisch, dan is het makkelijk. |
Modal Verbs in Conditionals
If your conditional clause uses a modal verb (like willen or moeten), that modal verb takes the very first position. The main verb gets pushed to the end of the conditional clause, just like in a standard sentence.
| If she wants to sign up, then she must call. | Wil ze zich aanmelden, dan moet ze bellen. |
Regular "Als" Clauses
You can still use als (if) to state conditions. Just remember that als introduces a subordinate clause, meaning the verbs are pushed to the end of that clause. Verb-first sentences are just a snappier, extremely common alternative.
| These are the conditions if you want to sign up. | Dit zijn de voorwaarden als je je wilt aanmelden. |
