dan / als

Dan or Als After a Comparative?

Level 4

In Dutch, dan is used after a comparative adjective (bigger than) or words like niets and niemand. Als is used specifically in constructions like (net) zo... als, even... als, and hetzelfde als, even if the comparison describes a difference (e.g., 'twice as big').

How It Works

The distinction between dan and als is a key rule in Dutch grammar. While native speakers often use als after a comparative in casual speech, formal writing requires a strict distinction based on the specific construction used.

1. Using 'Dan' (Comparatives and Exceptions)
Use dan when you are using a comparative adjective or indicating an exception:

  • groter dan (bigger than)
  • beter dan (better than)
  • anders dan (different than)
  • niets dan / niemand dan (nothing/no one but/except)

2. Using 'Als' (Specific Constructions)
Use als when the comparison is framed by specific words like zo, even, or hetzelfde. Note that this applies even if the meaning is not equal (e.g., 'three times as big'):

  • (net) zo groot als (just as big as)
  • twee keer zo groot als (twice as big as)
  • even groot als (as big as)
  • hetzelfde als (the same as)

3. The Pronoun Rule
When a comparison is followed by a pronoun, the choice between a subject pronoun and an object pronoun depends on the implied role in the sentence:

  • Subject form: Use this if the pronoun is the subject of the implied verb. Hij is groter dan ik (ben).
  • Object form: Use this if the pronoun is the object of the implied verb. Zij helpt hem vaker dan mij (zij mij helpt).

Examples (5)

  1. Mijn broer is groter dan ik.

    My brother is taller than I am.

    Word by Word: My brother is taller than I.

    Since 'groter' is a comparative, we must use 'dan' and the subject pronoun 'ik'.

  2. Deze film is even leuk als de vorige.

    This movie is just as fun as the previous one.

    Word by Word: This movie is even fun as the previous.

    The 'even... als' construction indicates equality, so 'als' is required.

  3. Jouw auto rijdt veel sneller dan de mijne.

    Your car drives much faster than mine.

    Word by Word: Your car drives much faster than the mine.

    The comparative 'sneller' triggers the use of 'dan'.

  4. Het resultaat was heel anders dan we dachten.

    The result was very different than we thought.

    Word by Word: The result was very different than we thought.

    The word 'anders' (different) always takes 'dan' in standard Dutch.

  5. Hij is drie keer zo oud als zijn zus.

    He is three times as old as his sister.

    Word by Word: He is three times so old as his sister.

    Even though there is a difference in age, the 'zo... als' frame requires 'als'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'als' after a comparative adjective.

    Ik ben groter als jij.
    Ik ben groter dan jij.

    This is the most common error. In formal Dutch, 'dan' is mandatory after the -er form (comparative).

  • Using 'dan' in an equality construction (hypercorrection).

    Hij is even slim dan zijn vader.
    Hij is even slim als zijn vader.

    Speakers sometimes use 'dan' everywhere to avoid the 'als' mistake, but 'even... als' must always use 'als'.

  • Using 'ik' after 'dan' when 'mij' is meant (he likes me less).

    Different MeaningHij vindt jou leuker dan ik.
    Hij vindt jou leuker dan mij.

    'Hij vindt jou leuker dan ik' is correct, but it means 'he likes you more than I do'. The pronoun case depends on its role in the implied sentence: to say he likes you more than he likes me, use 'mij'.

Words in This Pattern

danals