ofschoon

Ofschoon (Although)

Level 5

Ofschoon is a formal version of hoewel (although). It is used in literature, legal documents, and official writing to introduce a concession.

How It Works

The word ofschoon is a compound of of (if/whether) and the archaic schoon (although). In modern Dutch, it serves three primary functions:

  • Formal Concession: It introduces a fact that contrasts with the main clause. Example: Ofschoon het regende, gingen we wandelen. (Although it rained, we went for a walk.)
  • Syntactic Structure: Like all subordinating conjunctions, it creates a 'verb-final' environment. If the ofschoon-clause comes first, the main clause must start with a verb due to inversion.
  • Elliptical Usage: In literary contexts, it can be used without a full subject and verb if they are implied. Example: Ofschoon moe, werkte hij door. (Although [he was] tired, he worked on.)

Register Note: You will rarely hear this in spoken Dutch. Using it in a casual conversation might make you sound like a 19th-century lawyer. Stick to hoewel for daily life and save ofschoon for formal essays or business reports.

Examples (4)

  1. Ofschoon we er niet volledig achter staan, zullen we de wet naleven.

    Although we do not fully support it, we will comply with the law.

    Word by Word: Although we there not fully behind stand, shall we the law comply-with.

    This shows the formal register and the verb 'staan' moving to the end of the first clause.

  2. De gezant zette zijn toespraak voort, ofschoon hij uitgeput was.

    The envoy continued his speech, although he was exhausted.

    Word by Word: The envoy set his speech forth, although he exhausted was.

    Here, the subordinate clause follows the main clause. Note the verb 'was' at the very end.

  3. Ofschoon nog jong, is zij een expert op dit gebied.

    Albeit still young, she is an expert in this field.

    Word by Word: Although still young, is she an expert on this area.

    This is an elliptical construction where 'she is' is omitted for a more literary effect.

  4. Ofschoon het bewijs mager is, werd de verdachte toch veroordeeld.

    Although the evidence is thin, the suspect was nevertheless convicted.

    Word by Word: Although the evidence thin is, was the suspect yet convicted.

    Commonly used in legal contexts to acknowledge a counter-argument.

Common Mistakes

  • Using incorrect word order in the subordinate clause.

    Ofschoon hij is ziek, gaat hij naar zijn werk.
    Ofschoon hij ziek is, gaat hij naar zijn werk.

    Because 'ofschoon' is a subordinator, the verb 'is' must move to the end of its clause.

  • Using 'ofschoon' in casual conversation.

    Different MeaningOfschoon ik honger heb, eet ik niets.
    Hoewel ik honger heb, eet ik niets.

    While grammatically correct, 'ofschoon' sounds unnaturally formal for a simple statement about being hungry.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

ofschoonLevel 5Ofschoon (Although)

Learn This First

To use 'ofschoon' correctly, you must first be comfortable with the standard way to express 'although' using 'hoewel'. Since 'ofschoon' is a subordinating conjunction, you must also learn the Dutch subordinate clause word order (where verbs move to the end). Finally, because it is a high-register word, you should understand when it is appropriate to use formal written style versus everyday spoken Dutch.

Words in This Pattern

ofschoon