Question 1

How exactly does zodoende work as a connector here?

Accepted Answer

Zodoende translates to 'as a result', 'consequently', or 'thus'. It is a resultative adverb that links the two ideas together. It tells us that being able to help the orphanage was the direct outcome of the people being generous.

Question 2

Why is the word order konden we instead of we konden after en zodoende?

Accepted Answer

This is the classic V2 (verb-second) rule in action. The coordinating conjunction en doesn't count towards the word order. So, the adverb zodoende occupies the first position in the second clause. That means the conjugated verb (konden) must immediately follow it in the second position, pushing the subject (we) to the third position.

Question 3

Could I use daardoor or dus instead of zodoende in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you could. Dus (so) is the most common and casual option. Daardoor (because of that) puts a stronger focus on a strict cause-and-effect relationship. Zodoende is slightly more narrative or formal, often implying that an ongoing action naturally led to a situation, which fits perfectly in a storytelling context like this one.

Question 4

Why is helpen placed at the very end of the sentence?

Accepted Answer

This clause uses the modal verb konden (the past tense of kunnen, 'to be able to'). In Dutch main clauses, the conjugated modal verb takes the second position (or right after the starting adverb, as seen here), and it pushes the main action verb (helpen) to the very end of the sentence.

De mensen waren gul en zodoende konden we het weeshuis helpen.

Breakdown of De mensen waren gul en zodoende konden we het weeshuis helpen.

Questions & Answers about De mensen waren gul en zodoende konden we het weeshuis helpen.

Learn De mensen waren gul en zodoende konden we het weeshuis helpen and more in Dutch