behalve dat

Behalve Dat (Except That)

Level 4

Use behalve dat to introduce an exception to a general statement or to add an extra fact. It functions as a subordinator, meaning the verb moves to the end of the clause.

How It Works

The expression behalve dat is a versatile tool in Dutch for connecting ideas. It is used in two main ways:

1. Restrictive (Except that): It points out a specific exception to a general rule or situation. In this sense, it is interchangeable with behalve het feit dat.
Example: Alles is klaar, behalve dat de ramen nog gewassen moeten worden. (Everything is ready, except that the windows still need to be washed.)

2. Additive (Besides/In addition to): It adds a new piece of information that exists alongside the main clause. In this sense, it is interchangeable with naast het feit dat. When used additively, it is standard to include a word like ook (also) or daarnaast (besides that) in the main clause to clarify the meaning.
Example: Behalve dat hij rijk is, is hij ook erg gul. (Besides the fact that he is rich, he is also very generous.)

Syntax Rules:

  • Word Order: The clause starting with behalve dat is a subordinate clause, meaning the conjugated verb must go at the very end.
  • Sentence Start: If you start a sentence with a behalve dat clause, the main clause that follows must use inversion (Verb-Subject).
  • Variation: You may sometimes hear behalve dan dat. Note that this variation is only used in the restrictive (exception) sense; it cannot be used when adding information.

Examples (4)

  1. De vakantie was geweldig, behalve dat het elke dag regende.

    The holiday was great, except that it rained every day.

    Word by Word: The holiday was great, except that it every day rained.

    Here, 'behalve dat' introduces a negative exception to an otherwise positive statement. Note 'regende' is at the end.

  2. Behalve dat zij goed kan zingen, speelt ze ook uitstekend piano.

    Besides the fact that she can sing well, she also plays the piano excellently.

    Word by Word: Except that she well can sing, plays she also excellent piano.

    When starting with 'behalve dat', the main clause ('speelt ze') undergoes inversion.

  3. Ik zou je graag helpen, behalve dat ik vandaag echt geen tijd heb.

    I would love to help you, except that I really don't have time today.

    Word by Word: I would you gladly help, except that I today really no time have.

    The verb 'heb' moves to the end of the subordinate clause.

  4. Alles ging volgens plan, behalve dat de trein vertraging had.

    Everything went according to plan, except that the train had a delay.

    Word by Word: Everything went according to plan, except that the train delay had.

    A classic restrictive use showing a single factual exception.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'behalve dat' (except for the fact that) where 'behalve als' (unless) is meant.

    Different MeaningIk ga niet wandelen, behalve dat de zon schijnt.
    Ik ga niet wandelen, behalve als de zon schijnt.

    'Ik ga niet wandelen, behalve dat de zon schijnt' is grammatical, but it names a fact that is true ('except that the sun is shining'). To say you will walk in case the sun shines, use 'behalve als' (unless).

  • Using main clause word order after 'behalve dat'.

    Ik ben blij, behalve dat het is te koud.
    Ik ben blij, behalve dat het te koud is.

    Because 'behalve dat' is a subordinating conjunction, the verb must go to the end of the clause.

How It Connects

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

behalve datLevel 4Behalve Dat (Except That)

Learn This First

To understand 'behalve dat', you need to be familiar with the subordinating conjunction 'dat' and the specific word order (SOV) it requires in the following clause. It also helps to understand how Dutch uses conjunctions to link ideas and express exceptions.

Words in This Pattern

behalve