als

If/When

Level 2

The Dutch word als is a versatile word that translates to 'if', 'when', or 'as'. It is used for conditions, habits, comparisons, and describing roles.

How It Works

1. Conditional and Temporal ('If' / 'When')
Use als for conditions or future/repeated events. It moves the verb to the end of its clause. Note that als cannot be used as an interrogative question word (to ask 'at what time?'); use wanneer for that. However, a question can start with an als-clause (e.g., 'Als ik dit koop, vind je dat dan erg?').
Example: Als het regent, blijf ik thuis. (If it rains, I stay home.)
Important: For a specific one-time event in the past, you must use toen instead of als. Use als for the past only if the event happened repeatedly (e.g., 'Whenever I visited...').

2. Comparisons and Similes ('As' / 'Like')
In the construction net zo... als, it shows equality. It is also used for similes to describe manner.
Example: Hij is net zo groot als ik. (He is just as tall as I am.)
Example: Hij rent als een haas. (He runs like a hare.)
Note: For inequality (bigger than), the correct word is dan. While you will often hear native speakers use als in casual speech (e.g., groter als), this is considered incorrect in formal Dutch.

3. Roles and Functions ('As')
Use als to describe a job, role, or capacity.
Example: Ik werk als leraar. (I work as a teacher.)

4. Word Order and 'Dan'
If the als-clause starts the sentence, the entire clause counts as the first 'block' or position. The main clause then follows with inversion. You can optionally add dan (then) as a resumptive element to reinforce that first position.
Example: Als je klaar bent, dan gaan we.

Examples (6)

  1. Als je tijd hebt, moet je me bellen.

    If you have time, you should call me.

    Word by Word: If you time have, must you me call.

    A standard conditional sentence. Notice 'hebt' moves to the end of the first clause.

  2. Als ik straks thuiskom, dan ga ik meteen slapen.

    When I get home later, then I'm going to sleep immediately.

    Word by Word: When I later home-come, then go I immediately sleep.

    Using 'dan' in the main clause. 'Dan' takes the first position, so the verb 'ga' follows immediately.

  3. Als het vroeger regende, speelden we altijd binnen.

    Whenever it rained in the past, we always played inside.

    Word by Word: When it earlier rained, played we always inside.

    Use 'als' for repeated actions or habits in the past (whenever).

  4. Mijn broer is net zo oud als jij.

    My brother is just as old as you.

    Word by Word: My brother is just so old as you.

    Here 'als' is used for a comparison of equality.

  5. Zij werkt als arts in het ziekenhuis.

    She works as a doctor in the hospital.

    Word by Word: She works as doctor in the hospital.

    In this context, 'als' indicates a role or profession.

  6. We gaan wandelen als de zon schijnt.

    We are going for a walk if/when the sun shines.

    Word by Word: We go walk when the sun shines.

    When the 'als' clause comes second, the main clause keeps normal word order.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'als' for a single specific event in the past.

    Als ik gisteren in Amsterdam was, zag ik hem.
    Toen ik gisteren in Amsterdam was, zag ik hem.

    For a one-time event that already happened, you must use toen instead of 'als'.

  • Using 'als' instead of 'dan' for comparisons of inequality.

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

    'Als' is used for equality (as... as). In standard Dutch, use dan when comparing things that are different (bigger than, faster than). 'Groter als' is common in speech but is treated as an error in writing.

  • Using 'als' to mean 'whether' in indirect questions.

    Ik weet niet als hij komt.
    Ik weet niet of hij komt.

    When you mean 'if' in the sense of 'whether' (yes/no choice), use of.

How It Connects

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alsLevel 2If/When

Learn This First

To use 'als' (if/when), you need to understand how Dutch subordinate clauses work, as the verb moves to the end of the clause. It is also helpful to have experience with other subordinating conjunctions like 'omdat' and a solid grasp of basic verb conjugation.

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