aangezien

Aangezien (Since)

Level 4

Aangezien is a formal way to say 'since' or 'given that'. It introduces a reason (subordinate clause) and is primarily used in writing or professional contexts.

How It Works

Aangezien is a high-register tool for providing justification. While it functions similarly to 'because', it has specific grammatical and pragmatic rules:

  • Word Order: Like all subordinating conjunctions in Dutch, the verb must go to the end of the clause. If the aangezien clause starts the sentence, the main clause must use inversion (Verb-Subject).
  • Register: It is almost exclusively found in formal written style, legal documents, or academic texts. In casual conversation, speakers prefer want or omdat.
  • Nuance: It often frames a reason as a logical starting point. For example, 'Since it is raining (which we can both see), we should stay inside.'
  • Comparison with Doordat: Unlike doordat, which indicates an unintentional cause-and-effect, aangezien focuses on a reason or motive.

Examples (3)

  1. Aangezien het regent, blijven we thuis.

    Since it is raining, we are staying home.

    Word by Word: Since it rains, stay we home.

    Notice how 'regent' moves to the end of the first clause, and 'blijven we' is inverted in the main clause.

  2. Wij verzoeken u om te reageren, aangezien de deadline nadert.

    We request you to respond, since the deadline is approaching.

    Word by Word: We request you for to respond, since the deadline nears.

    In this formal sentence, the verb 'nadert' is placed at the end of the subordinate clause.

  3. Aangezien u niet aanwezig was, hebben wij de beslissing zonder u genomen.

    Given that you were not present, we took the decision without you.

    Word by Word: Since you not present were, have we the decision without you taken.

    This demonstrates a typical formal use where the reason (absence) is treated as an established fact.

Common Mistakes

  • Using standard word order instead of verb-final order.

    Aangezien het is laat, gaan we weg.
    Aangezien het laat is, gaan we weg.

    Aangezien is a subordinating conjunction, so the verb 'is' must move to the end of its clause.

  • Forgetting inversion in the main clause when starting with aangezien.

    Aangezien het regent, we blijven binnen.
    Aangezien het regent, blijven we binnen.

    When a subordinate clause starts a sentence, the main clause must start with the verb.

  • Using a formal word in a very casual setting.

    Different MeaningHoi, aangezien ik moe ben, ga ik slapen.
    Hoi, omdat ik moe ben, ga ik slapen.

    While grammatically correct, 'aangezien' sounds too stiff for a casual text to a friend; 'omdat' or 'want' is better.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

aangezienLevel 4Aangezien (Since)

Learn This First

To use 'aangezien' correctly, you need to be comfortable with Dutch subordinating conjunctions and the specific word order they require (sending the verb to the end). Since 'aangezien' is often used at the start of a sentence in formal writing, you also need to understand how this triggers inversion in the main clause that follows.

Words in This Pattern

aangezien