in zoverre dat
Insofar as
Use 'in zoverre dat' to define the specific boundaries or degree to which a statement is true. It is formal and triggers subordinate word order.
How It Works
The phrase in zoverre dat is a multi-word subordinating conjunction used primarily in formal or academic Dutch. Because it ends with the word dat, it requires subordinate word order, meaning the finite verb moves to the end of the clause. In formal writing, you may also encounter the variant in zoverre als, which functions identically.
There are two main ways to use it:
- Combined: The entire phrase stays together to introduce the subclause.
- Split: The words 'in zoverre' stay in the main clause for emphasis, while 'dat' starts the subclause.
Additionally, in zoverre can be used as a standalone adverb meaning 'to that extent' or 'up to a point' without a following clause. While it is similar to voor zover, 'in zoverre dat' is more formal and focuses specifically on the degree or intensity of a fact rather than just the scope of one's knowledge.
Examples (4)
- Het plan is geslaagd, in zoverre dat alle doelen zijn bereikt.
The plan succeeded, insofar as all goals have been achieved.
Word by Word: The plan is succeeded, in so-far that all goals are reached.
Here, the success of the plan is limited specifically to the achievement of the goals.
- Ik ben het in zoverre met je eens, dat we actie moeten ondernemen.
I agree with you to the extent that we must take action.
Word by Word: I am it in so-far with you once, that we action must undertake.
This demonstrates the split pattern, where 'in zoverre' appears in the main clause to emphasize the degree of agreement.
- De film was in zoverre een succes, dat de kosten werden gedekt.
The film was a success insofar as the costs were covered.
Word by Word: The film was in so-far a success, that the costs were covered.
This qualifies the 'success'—it wasn't necessarily a masterpiece, but it made its money back.
- Het onderzoek is nuttig in zoverre dat het nieuwe vragen oproept.
The research is useful insofar as it raises new questions.
Word by Word: The research is useful in so-far that it new questions up-calls.
Note how the verb 'oproept' moves to the end because of the 'dat' conjunction.
Common Mistakes
Using main clause word order after 'dat'.
Het is waar in zoverre dat het is mogelijk.Het is waar in zoverre dat het mogelijk is.Because 'in zoverre dat' is a subordinating conjunction, the verb must go to the end of the clause.
Using 'in zoverre' to ask a question about degree.
In zoverre is dit plan haalbaar?In hoeverre is dit plan haalbaar?'In zoverre' is for statements. To ask 'To what extent...?', you must use 'In hoeverre'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'in zoverre dat' (insofar as), a learner must be comfortable with the subordinating conjunction 'dat' and the specific word order (verb-final) that it requires in Dutch. It is also helpful to recognize 'dat' as a demonstrative element within the phrase.
- datThat (Conjunction)
The pattern 'in zoverre dat' is a complex conjunction built using the subordinating conjunction 'dat'.
Level 2 - SOV in Subordinate Clauses
As a subordinating conjunction, 'in zoverre dat' triggers the SOV word order where verbs are placed at the end of the clause.
Level 3 - dat/dieThat/Those
Understanding the demonstrative 'dat' helps in recognizing the components of this fixed expression.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- voor zoverVoor Zover (As Far as)
'Voor zover' is a less formal synonym often used to describe the scope of knowledge (e.g., 'as far as I know').
Level 5 - zo...datSo...that
Similar to 'in zoverre dat', this pattern links a degree or quality to a specific result or consequence.
Level 4 - zodanig datSuch That (Formal)
Another formal conjunction used to describe the manner or extent to which something happens.
Level 5
Words in This Pattern
Practice in zoverre dat in Bubblegum
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