alsof

Alsof (As if)

Level 3

Use alsof to compare a situation to something hypothetical, imagined, or contrary to fact. It functions like 'as if' in English.

How It Works

The conjunction alsof is the standard way to express hypothetical comparisons in Dutch.

1. Word Order
Because alsof introduces a subordinate clause, it follows the SOV (Subject-Object-Verb) rule. The conjugated verb moves to the end of the clause. However, if there is a verb cluster (like an auxiliary and a participle), the conjugated verb can often appear either before or after the other verbs.
Example: Hij doet alsof hij ziek is. (He acts as if he is sick.)

2. Expressing Unreality
To show that something is definitely not true (counterfactual), Dutch speakers often use the simple past tense or the conditional zou + infinitive, even if referring to the present.
Example: Zij geeft geld uit alsof ze miljonair was / zou zijn. (She spends money as if she were a millionaire.)

3. Casual Speech and Variations
In informal spoken Dutch, you will often hear net alsof (adding net for emphasis) or simply net of. Additionally, when using the verb lijken (to seem), speakers often replace alsof with just of.
Example: Het lijkt wel of het gaat regenen. (It seems as if it's going to rain.)

4. Alsof vs. Zoals
Do not confuse alsof with zoals. Use zoals for factual comparisons of manner ('the way that') and alsof for imagined ones.

Examples (5)

  1. Hij doet alsof hij me niet verstaat.

    He acts as if he doesn't understand me.

    Word by Word: He does as-if he me not understands.

    Notice how the verb 'verstaat' moves to the end of the clause after 'alsof'.

  2. Het lijkt alsof het gaat regenen.

    It looks as if it is going to rain.

    Word by Word: It seems as-if it goes rain.

    Here, 'alsof' is used for a perceived reality rather than a total fantasy.

  3. Doe alsof je thuis bent.

    Make yourself at home (literally: Act as if you are at home).

    Word by Word: Do as-if you at-home are.

    A common idiomatic expression using the 'alsof' structure.

  4. Zij kijkt alsof ze een spook heeft gezien.

    She looks as if she has seen a ghost.

    Word by Word: She looks as-if she a ghost has seen.

    The perfect tense verbs 'heeft gezien' form a cluster at the end of the clause.

  5. Hij praat alsof hij alles weet.

    He talks as if he knows everything.

    Word by Word: He talks as-if he everything knows.

    A classic example of a hypothetical comparison using the present tense.

Common Mistakes

  • Using English word order (Verb-Second) in the 'alsof' clause.

    Hij doet alsof hij is moe.
    Hij doet alsof hij moe is.

    In Dutch, 'alsof' is a subordinator, so the verb 'is' must move to the end of the sentence.

  • Splitting 'alsof' into two words.

    Het lijkt als of het werkt.
    Het lijkt alsof het werkt.

    While 'als' and 'of' are separate words in other contexts, the conjunction meaning 'as if' is always written as one word: 'alsof'.

How It Connects

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

alsofLevel 3Alsof (As if)

Learn This First

To use 'alsof' correctly, you need to understand how Dutch subordinate clauses work, as 'alsof' sends the verb to the very end of the sentence. It is also helpful to be familiar with the basic conjunctions 'als' (if) and 'of' (or/whether) which form the basis of this word.

Words in This Pattern

alsof