in verband met
In Connection with
In verband met (often abbreviated as i.v.m.) is a formal way to say 'in connection with' or 'regarding.' It is used to explain the reason or context for something, especially in official announcements, news, or business settings.
How It Works
The phrase in verband met consists of three fixed parts: the preposition in, the noun verband (connection/link), and the preposition met.
1. Usage and Meaning:
It is broader than 'because of.' While it often points to a cause, it primarily establishes a link. For example, if a train is delayed in verband met a defect, the defect is the reason. If a person is questioned in verband met a crime, they are linked to the situation, but not necessarily the cause of it.
2. Grammatical Structure:
- It always attaches to a noun phrase (e.g., de regen, het onderzoek).
- It cannot be followed directly by a full clause or a verb.
- Pro-tip: If you want to link it to a full clause, you must use the bridge phrase in verband met het feit dat (in connection with the fact that).
- The word verband never takes an article in this specific expression (do not say in het verband met).
3. Register:
This expression is formal to neutral. You will see it constantly in:
- NS train announcements ('Vertraging in verband met werkzaamheden').
- Legal or police reports ('In verband met een inbraak').
- Formal emails ('Ik schrijf u in verband met uw vraag').
In professional but slightly less 'heavy' contexts, vanwege is a very natural alternative. In casual conversation, native speakers often prefer simpler prepositions like door (through/by) or over (about).
Examples (4)
- In verband met de weersomstandigheden is de wedstrijd afgelast.
In connection with the weather conditions, the match has been cancelled.
Word by Word: In connection with the weather-conditions is the match cancelled.
This is a classic formal announcement style, using the phrase to provide the reason for the cancellation.
- De politie zoekt getuigen in verband met een inbraak.
The police are looking for witnesses in connection with a burglary.
Word by Word: The police seek witnesses in connection with a burglary.
Here, the phrase indicates a situational link rather than a direct cause-effect relationship.
- Ik bel u in verband met uw sollicitatie van vorige week.
I am calling you regarding your job application from last week.
Word by Word: I call you in connection with your application of last week.
In a professional context, this phrase is used to introduce the topic of a conversation or email.
- De weg is dicht i.v.m. wegwerkzaamheden.
The road is closed due to roadworks.
Word by Word: The road is closed i.v.m. road-works.
This shows the common abbreviation 'i.v.m.' often found on traffic signs and in notes.
Common Mistakes
Using a clause (subject + verb) instead of a noun phrase.
In verband met ik ben ziek, kom ik niet.In verband met mijn ziekte kom ik niet.'In verband met' is a preposition and must be followed by a noun. If you want to use a full sentence, use omdat instead.
Dropping the word 'met' at the end.
In verband de vakantie zijn wij gesloten.In verband met de vakantie zijn wij gesloten.The phrase is a fixed unit of three words. 'Met' is required to link to the following noun.
Using a stiff phrase in casual speech.
Different MeaningIk kom niet in verband met de regen.Ik kom niet door de regen.While not grammatically wrong, 'in verband met' sounds overly stiff and bureaucratic when talking to friends. Use 'door' or 'vanwege' for a more natural tone.
How It Connects
Learn This First
The pattern 'in verband met' is a fixed prepositional phrase used to indicate a connection or reason. To use it correctly, a learner needs to understand basic prepositions like 'in' and 'met', as well as how to structure the noun phrases that follow it using the Dutch article system.
Related Patterns
- vanwegeBecause of
Vanwege is a more direct way to say 'because of' and is often interchangeable with 'in verband met' when expressing a cause, though it feels slightly less heavy.
Level 4 - met betrekking totWith Regard to
This phrase means 'with regard to' and is used to specify a topic, whereas 'in verband met' often implies a situational pressure or reason.
Level 4 - naar aanleiding vanFollowing/Regarding
Often confused with 'in verband met', this expression indicates a specific trigger or occasion (e.g., a response to a letter) rather than a general connection.
Level 4 - doorThrough/By
Door is the less formal, everyday way to express a cause ('through' or 'because of').
Level 1 - omdatBecause (Subordinating)
Omdat is a conjunction used to start a full clause, whereas 'in verband met' only takes a noun phrase.
Level 2 - doordatDoordat (Because of)
Doordat specifically indicates a non-intentional cause, similar to the causal use of 'in verband met'.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice in verband met in Bubblegum
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