opdat

Opdat (So That)

Level 5

Opdat is a formal way to say 'so that'. It is used to show that an action is done with a specific goal in mind. In modern Dutch, it is mostly found in writing, legal texts, or religious contexts.

How It Works

1. Meaning and Usage
Opdat translates to 'so that' or 'in order that'. It introduces a final clause (a clause of purpose). It implies a conscious will or effort to achieve a specific outcome. While it was historically followed by the subjunctive mood, modern Dutch uses the indicative or auxiliary verbs like zullen/zou (will/would) or kunnen/kon (can/could) to express the intended possibility.

2. Word Order and Structure
As a subordinating conjunction, opdat triggers subordinate clause word order. This means the conjugated verb(s) must be placed at the very end of the sentence. Crucially, opdat always requires an explicit subject, unlike the om ... te construction.

3. Subject Nuance
A key rule for becoming proficient in this structure is knowing when to use it versus om ... te. If the subject of the main clause and the subclause are the same, Dutch speakers almost exclusively use om ... te. Opdat is primarily used when the subjects of the two clauses are different (e.g., 'I work hard so that my children can study').

4. Register and Frequency
This word is rare in spoken Dutch. In daily life, speakers prefer om ... te or zodat. You will mostly encounter opdat in formal academic writing, legal documents, and religious texts.

5. Opdat vs. Zodat vs. Omdat

  • Opdat: Only for purpose/intention, usually with different subjects. (e.g., 'Ik spaar geld opdat mijn zoon een huis kan kopen.')
  • Zodat: Can be for purpose OR consequence/result. (e.g., 'Het regende, zodat het gras groeide.' — You cannot use opdat here because the rain has no 'intention'.)
  • Omdat: Used for reason/cause. (e.g., 'Ik ben nat omdat het regende.')

Examples (4)

  1. Hij sprak zacht, opdat niemand hem zou horen.

    He spoke softly, so that no one would hear him.

    Word by Word: He spoke softly, so-that no-one him would hear.

    Here, 'opdat' shows the intention behind speaking softly. Note the verb 'zou horen' at the end.

  2. Men nam maatregelen, opdat de veiligheid gewaarborgd bleef.

    Measures were taken so that safety remained guaranteed.

    Word by Word: One took measures, so-that the safety guaranteed remained.

    This is a typical formal sentence where 'opdat' introduces the intended goal of the measures.

  3. De overheid investeert in onderwijs, opdat iedereen zich kan ontwikkelen.

    The government invests in education so that everyone can develop themselves.

    Word by Word: The government invests in education, so-that everyone himself can develop.

    This example uses the auxiliary verb 'kan' (can) to express the possibility of the intended goal.

  4. Ik schrijf dit op, opdat ik het niet vergeet.

    I am writing this down so that I don't forget it.

    Word by Word: I write this up, so-that I it not forget.

    Even though 'zodat' is more common here, 'opdat' emphasizes the deliberate act of writing to prevent forgetting.

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing 'opdat' (purpose) with 'omdat' (reason).

    Ik ben moe opdat ik hard gewerkt heb.
    Ik ben moe omdat ik hard gewerkt heb.

    Use omdat for a reason or cause that has already happened. Use 'opdat' for a goal or purpose you want to achieve in the future.

  • Using main clause word order after 'opdat'.

    Ik help je opdat je kunt het examen halen.
    Ik help je opdat je het examen kunt halen.

    In a subordinate clause the finite verb goes to the end of the clause, after the object. Here 'kunt' follows 'het examen' and comes before the infinitive.

  • Omitting the subject in an 'opdat' clause.

    Hij traint hard opdat fit te blijven.
    Hij traint hard opdat hij fit blijft.

    Unlike om ... te, which drops the subject, 'opdat' is a conjunction that always requires an explicit subject (like 'hij', 'ik', or 'men').

How It Connects

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

opdatLevel 5Opdat (So That)

Learn This First

To use 'opdat' correctly, you must be comfortable with Dutch subordinate clause word order (placing verbs at the end). Since 'opdat' is a formal and literary way to express purpose, it is helpful to first understand its common counterpart 'zodat' and how to use the conditional 'zou' to describe intended outcomes.

Words in This Pattern

opdat