nadat

After

Level 2

Use nadat to connect two actions where one was completed before the other began. It always triggers a subordinate clause (verbs at the end).

How It Works

The conjunction nadat is used to sequence events in time. In standard Dutch, it is usually followed by a perfect tense.

1. Tense Usage:

  • If the main event is in the past, use the past perfect in the nadat-clause.
  • If the main event is in the present or future, use the present perfect in the nadat-clause. This includes verbs using both hebben and zijn as auxiliaries.
  • Note: While the perfect tense is the standard rule, you may hear the simple past used in modern informal speech.

2. Word Order and Verb Clusters:
As a subordinating conjunction, nadat moves all verbs to the end. In these verb clusters, the order is flexible: both ...gegeten heb and ...heb gegeten are correct. If the nadat-clause comes first, the main clause must use inversion (Verb-Subject).

3. Nadat vs. Na vs. Daarna:

  • Use na before a noun (e.g., na de les).
  • Use nadat to connect two full clauses.
  • Warning: You cannot translate the English 'After eating' using a gerund. You can use a full clause (nadat ik gegeten heb), a noun phrase with na (na het eten) or na with a perfect infinitive (na gegeten te hebben).
  • Use daarna (afterwards) as a transition word to start a new sentence (e.g., Ik at een appel. Daarna ging ik naar huis).

Examples (4)

  1. Nadat we gegeten hadden, gingen we naar de bioscoop.

    After we had eaten, we went to the cinema.

    Word by Word: After we eaten had, went we to the cinema.

    Since the main action (going to the cinema) is in the past, the 'nadat' clause uses the past perfect 'hadden gegeten'.

  2. Ik bel je nadat ik mijn huiswerk heb gemaakt.

    I will call you after I have finished my homework.

    Word by Word: I call you after I my homework have made.

    Here, the 'nadat' clause uses the present perfect because the main action is in the future/present.

  3. Nadat de zon was ondergegaan, werd het koud.

    After the sun had set, it became cold.

    Word by Word: After the sun was set-gone, became it cold.

    Note the inversion in the main clause ('werd het') because the 'nadat' clause starts the sentence.

  4. We gaan wandelen nadat de regen is gestopt.

    We are going for a walk after the rain has stopped.

    Word by Word: We go walk after the rain is stopped.

    The verbs 'is gestopt' are placed at the very end of the subordinate clause.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'nadat' as a standalone adverb like 'afterwards'.

    Nadat, ging ik naar huis.
    Daarna ging ik naar huis.

    'Nadat' is a conjunction that must connect two clauses. If you want to say 'after that' or 'afterwards' to start a new sentence, use the adverb 'daarna' instead.

  • Using the simple past instead of the perfect tense.

    Nadat ik de brief schreef, postte ik hem.
    Nadat ik de brief geschreven had, postte ik hem.

    While modern speech sometimes uses the simple past, it is safest to use a perfect tense with 'nadat' to clearly show the first action was finished before the second started.

  • Confusing 'nadat' (conjunction) with 'na' (preposition).

    Nadat de film gingen we naar huis.
    Na de film gingen we naar huis.

    'Na' is used before a noun phrase, while 'nadat' must be followed by a subject and a verb.

How It Connects

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

nadatLevel 2After

Learn This First

To use 'nadat' correctly, you need to understand Dutch subordinate clause word order (where verbs move to the end). Additionally, since 'nadat' describes an action that happened before another, it is almost always used with the perfect tense (voltooid tegenwoordige tijd) or past perfect tense.

Words in This Pattern

nadat