Breakdown of Werk je hard, dan bereik je datgene wat belangrijk is.
zijn
to be
werken
to work
hard
loud / fast (forceful) / hard (with effort)
belangrijk
important
dan
then
je
you (unstressed form of jij)
bereiken
to achieve / to reach (a goal)
wat
that / which (relative)
datgene
that which
Questions & Answers about Werk je hard, dan bereik je datgene wat belangrijk is.
Why does the sentence start with the verb Werk instead of a word for 'if'?
In Dutch, you can drop the word als (if) to make a conditional sentence. When you do this, the verb moves to the very beginning. So, Werk je hard means "If you work hard." You will often see this structure in advice or general statements.
Why is it 'bereik je' instead of 'je bereikt'?
The first clause (Werk je hard) counts as the first piece of information in the sentence. The linking word dan (then) connects to the main clause, which triggers inversion. To keep the verb in the right place logically, the verb (bereik) jumps in front of the subject (je).
What exactly does datgene wat add here? Couldn't I just use wat?
datgene wat translates to "that which" or "the specific thing that." While you could technically just say wat belangrijk is (what is important), adding datgene adds emphasis. It strongly highlights that specific thing you are achieving.
Could I use degene die instead of datgene wat in this sentence?
No, because degene die is strictly used to refer to people ("the person who" or "the one who"). Since you are achieving an abstract goal or concept here rather than a person, you must use datgene wat.
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