naarmate

Naarmate (As ... More)

Level 5

Use naarmate to say 'as' or 'in proportion as' when two things change together. It functions exclusively as a subordinating conjunction, triggering subordinate clause word order.

How It Works

The conjunction naarmate is used to link a cause-and-effect relationship where both parts are in motion. It is often translated as 'as', 'the more...', or 'in proportion to'.

1. Subordinate Clause Word Order
As a subordinating conjunction, naarmate triggers subordinate clause word order (SOV). The entire verb cluster moves to the end of the clause. It must always be followed by a clause containing a verb, usually one indicating change or progression.

  • Naarmate de tijd vordert, wordt het kouder. (As time progresses, it gets colder.)
  • Naarmate de bevolking groeit, stijgt de vraag naar woningen. (As the population grows, the demand for housing rises.)

If the naarmate-clause comes first, the main clause uses inversion.

2. Common Mistake: Missing Verb
Unlike some other conjunctions, naarmate cannot function as a preposition. It always requires a verb. For example, you cannot say "naarmate de leeftijd"; you must say:

  • De premie stijgt naarmate de leeftijd toeneemt. (The premium rises as the age increases.)

3. Pairing with 'Des Te' or Comparatives
The main clause often includes a comparative adjective to show the result. While formal Dutch often uses des te to reinforce this, a simple comparative is also perfectly standard.

  • Naarmate de storm heviger werd, werd de situatie (des te) gevaarlijker.

4. Register
This pattern is common in both written and spoken Dutch, though it carries a more precise tone than simple conjunctions like als. In casual speech, speakers might prefer hoe...hoe to express the same proportional relationship.

Examples (5)

  1. Naarmate de dag vorderde, werd het warmer.

    As the day progressed, it became warmer.

    Word by Word: As the day progressed, became it warmer.

    Notice the verb 'vorderde' at the end of the first clause and the inversion 'werd het' in the second clause.

  2. De ballon werd groter naarmate ik er meer lucht in blies.

    The balloon grew larger as I blew more air into it.

    Word by Word: The balloon became larger as I there more air in blew.

    Here the main clause comes first, so there is no inversion. The verb 'blies' remains at the end of the 'naarmate' clause.

  3. Naarmate je meer oefent, zul je de taal beter begrijpen.

    As you practice more, you will understand the language better.

    Word by Word: As you more practice, shall you the language better understand.

    This shows a proportional relationship: more practice leads to better understanding.

  4. Naarmate de prijzen stijgen, kopen mensen minder producten.

    As prices rise, people buy fewer products.

    Word by Word: As the prices rise, buy people fewer products.

    A classic example of economic proportion using the verb 'stijgen' (to rise).

  5. Naarmate de technologie verbetert, wordt het leven des te gemakkelijker.

    As technology improves, life becomes all the easier.

    Word by Word: As the technology improves, becomes the life all the easier.

    This example uses 'des te' in the main clause to emphasize the proportional result.

Common Mistakes

  • Using incorrect word order in the main clause.

    Naarmate de dag vorderde, het werd warmer.
    Naarmate de dag vorderde, werd het warmer.

    When a subordinate clause (like one starting with 'naarmate') begins a sentence, the main clause must start with the verb (inversion).

  • Using 'naarmate' for a static state instead of a progression.

    Naarmate ik een auto heb, ben ik blij.
    Omdat ik een auto heb, ben ik blij.

    'Naarmate' requires a process or a change. 'Having a car' is a state, not a progression, so 'omdat' (because) or 'nu' (now that) is better.

How It Connects

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naarmateLevel 5Naarmate (As ... More)

Learn This First

To use 'naarmate' correctly, you need to understand how Dutch subordinate clauses are structured, as the verb moves to the end of the sentence. Additionally, since 'naarmate' describes things growing or changing together, you should be familiar with comparative adjectives and the verb 'worden' (to become).

Words in This Pattern

naarmate