Question 1

Why are there two zijns right next to each other at the comma?

Accepted Answer

The first part of the sentence, Ondanks dat we in de wildernis zijn, is a dependent clause that occupies the very first position of the overall sentence. Because Dutch follows the verb-second (V2) rule, the verb of the main clause must come immediately after that first position block. As a result, the first zijn ends the dependent clause, and the second zijn immediately starts the main clause to keep its second position.

Question 2

How does ondanks dat change the word order in the first half of the sentence?

Accepted Answer

Ondanks dat is a subordinating conjunction, which means it introduces a dependent clause. In Dutch dependent clauses, the conjugated verb is pushed to the very end. That is why zijn comes after in de wildernis instead of right after the subject we.

Question 3

Could I drop the dat and just write Ondanks we in de wildernis zijn?

Accepted Answer

No, because ondanks on its own is a preposition and can only be followed by a noun or noun phrase, such as ondanks de kou (despite the cold). To follow it with a full clause containing its own subject and verb like we ... zijn, you must add dat to turn it into a conjunction.

Question 4

Why is this translated as 'Even though' instead of 'Despite the fact that'?

Accepted Answer

While ondanks dat literally translates to 'despite that' or 'despite the fact that', English speakers usually say 'even though' in daily life because it flows better. The meaning is exactly the same, so translations often swap them to sound more natural.

Ondanks dat we in de wildernis zijn, zijn we veilig.

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