omdat
Because (Omdat)
Omdat means because and sends the verb to the end: Ek is laat omdat die bus laat was.
How It Works
Omdat answers the question hoekom? (why?).
1. Verb at the end:
- Ek is laat omdat die bus laat was. (I'm late because the bus was late.)
- Sy bly tuis omdat sy siek is. (She's staying home because she's sick.)
- Ons is moeg omdat ons ver geloop het. (We're tired because we walked a long way.)
2. Omdat first. The omdat-clause fills first place, so the main clause starts with its verb: Omdat dit reën, bly ons binne. (Because it's raining, we're staying inside.) See starting with a subordinate clause.
3. Omdat or want? Both mean because. Want keeps normal order: Ek is laat, want die bus was laat. Omdat sends the verb to the end, and only an omdat-clause can start the sentence. See want or omdat.
4. Negation. A negative main clause usually closes with its second nie before omdat: Hy kom nie vandag nie omdat hy siek is. (He isn't coming today because he's sick.) Inside the omdat-clause, nie works as usual: omdat ek nie honger is nie (because I'm not hungry).
Examples (6)
- Ek is laat omdat die bus laat was.
I'm late because the bus was late.
Word by Word: I am late because the bus late was.
- Sy bly tuis omdat sy siek is.
She's staying home because she's sick.
Word by Word: She stays home because she sick is.
- Omdat dit reën, bly ons binne.
Because it's raining, we're staying inside.
Word by Word: Because it rains, stay we inside.
The omdat-clause comes first, so the main clause starts with bly.
- Ek drink koffie omdat ek moeg is.
I'm drinking coffee because I'm tired.
Word by Word: I drink coffee because I tired am.
- Hy kom nie vandag nie omdat hy siek is.
He isn't coming today because he's sick.
Word by Word: He comes not today not because he sick is.
The main clause closes its nie before omdat.
- Ons het 'n taxi geneem omdat dit laat was.
We took a taxi because it was late.
Word by Word: We have a taxi taken because it late was.
Common Mistakes
Keeping normal order after omdat.
Ek is laat omdat die bus was laat.Ek is laat omdat die bus laat was.Omdat sends the verb to the end of its clause.
Starting a sentence with want.
Want dit reën, bly ons binne.Omdat dit reën, bly ons binne.A reason that comes before the main clause needs omdat. Want can only join a reason after the main clause.
Putting the subject first in the main clause after an omdat-clause.
Omdat dit reën, ons bly binne.Omdat dit reën, bly ons binne.The omdat-clause fills first place, so the main verb must come next.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Omdat starts a subordinate clause, so its verbs go to the end.
Related Patterns
- wantBecause (Want)
Want also means because but keeps normal word order.
Level 1 - want / omdatWant or Omdat?
This entry compares the two words for because in detail.
Level 3 - hoekom/waaromWhy
An omdat-clause is a natural answer to hoekom or waarom.
Level 1 - Starting With a Subordinate Clause
An omdat-clause often starts the sentence, which makes the main clause begin with its verb.
Level 3 - aangesienSince (Reason): Aangesien
Aangesien is a more formal word for giving a reason, with the same word order.
Level 4
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice omdat in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Afrikaans lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
