Question 1

What exactly is mits, and would I use it in normal conversation?

Accepted Answer

mits translates to "provided that" or "on the condition that". It is a formal subordinating conjunction, so you will mostly see it in business, legal, or formal written contexts (like paying out a corporate dividend). In a casual conversation, you would be more likely to just use als (if) or the phrase op voorwaarde dat (on the condition that).

Question 2

Why does the verb is get pushed to the very end of the sentence?

Accepted Answer

Because mits is a subordinating conjunction. Just like omdat (because) or hoewel (although), it introduces a subordinate clause. In Dutch, a subordinate clause always forces the conjugated verb (in this case, is) to the very end of that clause.

Question 3

I always mix up mits and tenzij. How do they compare?

Accepted Answer

They are exact opposites, but learners often confuse them because they are short words that appear in similar formal contexts. mits means "provided that" (a positive condition). tenzij means "unless" (a negative condition). If this sentence used tenzij, it would mean the company pays the dividend unless the profit is sufficient, which would be a very strange business strategy!

Question 4

Why doesn't the adjective voldoende get an extra -e ending here?

Accepted Answer

Because voldoende (sufficient) is acting as a predicative adjective, meaning it describes the subject but comes after a linking verb (is) rather than being placed directly in front of a noun. In Dutch, adjectives in this position never get an added -e ending.

Wij betalen het dividend mits de winst voldoende is.

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