Learn Hardcore Dutch: Het begin is belangrijk, want wij gaan leren. - The beginning is important, because we are going to learn.

In Dutch, nouns have a gender that determines their definite article. The noun begin is neuter, so it takes the article het. Learners must memorize which nouns are neuter (using het) and which are common (using de).

What does the conjunction “want” mean in this sentence, and how does it function?

The word want translates as because in English. It is a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses. Unlike subordinating conjunctions (such as omdat), want does not change the normal subject–verb order in the clause that follows.

Why is the subject written as “wij” in “wij gaan leren,” and could it also be “we”?

Both wij and we mean we in English. The choice to use wij often adds emphasis or formality, making it clear that a specific group is intended. In casual conversation, we might be preferred, but wij is equally correct and can highlight contrast if needed.

What role does the verb “gaan” play in “wij gaan leren”?

The verb gaan is used as an auxiliary verb to form a near future construction. In this context, wij gaan leren means we are going to learn. Instead of having a distinct future tense, Dutch often uses the present tense of gaan plus an infinitive (here, leren) to indicate that an action will happen in the near future.

Does the use of the coordinating conjunction “want” affect the word order of the second clause?

No, it does not. Because want is a coordinating conjunction, it simply connects two independent clauses without altering the usual subject–verb order. Therefore, “wij gaan leren” maintains the standard order for a main clause.

Could the sentence be rephrased using a subordinating conjunction like “omdat,” and what differences would that bring?

Yes, the sentence can be rephrased as “Het begin is belangrijk, omdat wij gaan leren.” When using omdat (which also means because), you’re introducing a subordinate clause. In clauses introduced by subordinating conjunctions, the verb often moves toward the end. In this particular case, however, because of the compound structure with gaan and the infinitive leren, the order remains similar, but in other contexts you’d notice the verb moving to the clause’s end.