Learn Hardcore Dutch: Omdat de bus vertraagd is, bespreken wij in de vergaderzaal alvast het nieuwe ontwerp. - Because the bus is delayed, we are already discussing the new design in the meeting room.

omdat is a subordinating conjunction meaning “because.” It introduces a reason clause (a subordinate clause). In Dutch, subordinate clauses typically start with omdat, and this triggers the rule that the finite verb (and any auxiliaries) must go to the very end of that clause.

What is vertraagd, and how does it work with is in de bus vertraagd is?

vertraagd is the past participle of vertragen (“to delay”). Paired with the auxiliary verb is, it forms a perfect/passive structure: “is delayed” or “has been delayed.” Here it indicates that the bus has experienced a delay.

Why does the verb come at the end in the clause after omdat?

In Dutch, subordinating conjunctions like omdat enforce SOV word order in the subordinate clause. That means the subject and objects come first, and the finite verb (plus any participles or auxiliaries) moves to the very end of that clause.

Why is bespreken placed before wij in the main clause?

Dutch is a V2 (verb‐second) language in main clauses. When any element (here the entire subordinate clause) occupies the first position, the finite verb must be in the second position. So bespreken (the finite verb) comes first in the main clause, followed by the subject wij.

What does alvast mean, and what nuance does it add?

alvast means “already” or “in advance.” It indicates that they’re getting a head start on the new design—discussing it before the bus arrives or before the official meeting begins.

What role does in de vergaderzaal play, and why is it placed before the object?

in de vergaderzaal is an adverbial phrase of place (“in the meeting room”). In Dutch main clauses you often see the order:
1) finite verb (bespreken)
2) subject (wij)
3) place adverbial (in de vergaderzaal)
4) other adverbials (alvast)
5) object (het nieuwe ontwerp)

Could you also say De bus heeft vertraging instead of De bus is vertraagd?

Yes. De bus heeft vertraging literally means “the bus has delay” and is a very common idiom for “the bus is delayed.” De bus is vertraagd focuses more on the action (“has been delayed”), whereas heeft vertraging focuses on the state of having delay. Both are correct.

Can we omit the subject pronoun wij in the main clause, as we sometimes do in English?

No. Dutch requires an explicit subject in every finite clause (except imperatives). You cannot drop wij here—you need it to indicate who is doing the discussing.