Real Conditional
The Real Conditional (Type 1) uses the present tense to describe situations that are likely to happen or are general truths. It follows the structure: Als [condition], [result].
How It Works
The Real Conditional is the most common way to express 'if' scenarios in Dutch. It consists of two parts:
1. The Subordinate Clause (Condition): Usually introduced by als (if/when). Because it is a subordinate clause, the verb moves to the end (SOV order).
2. The Main Clause (Result): This describes what happens if the condition is met.
Word Order Rules:
- Condition First: If the 'als' clause comes first, you normally use a comma to separate the clauses, and the main clause must use inversion (Verb-Subject order).
- Result First: If the main clause comes first, it retains standard SVO word order. A comma before als is usually left out in this order, as the third example shows, but it is optional.
- Verb-First Variant: You can also form a conditional by omitting 'als' and starting with the verb (e.g., 'Regent het...'). This conditional inversion is common in both spoken Dutch and formal/legal writing.
Key Features:
- Tense: Both clauses typically use the present tense. However, use zullen or gaan in the result clause to express a promise or firm intention.
- Mocht: For conditions that are less likely to happen ('should it happen that'), you can use the verb mocht in a verb-first construction (e.g., 'Mocht het regenen...') or within an 'als' clause.
- Optional 'Dan': You can start the second clause with dan (then) for emphasis, but the verb must still come immediately after it.
Examples (6)
- Als het regent, blijf ik thuis.
If it rains, I stay home.
Word by Word: If it rains, stay I home.
A classic example showing inversion in the main clause (blijf ik) because the 'als' clause came first.
- Regent het, dan blijf ik thuis.
Should it rain, then I stay home.
Word by Word: Rains it, then stay I home.
This demonstrates the 'verb-first' conditional variant where 'als' is omitted and the condition starts with the verb.
- Ik bel je meteen als ik aankom.
I [will] call you immediately when/if I arrive.
Word by Word: I call you immediately if I arrive.
When the main clause comes first, it retains standard SVO word order (Ik bel).
- Als je nu vertrekt, ben je op tijd.
If you leave now, you [will] be on time.
Word by Word: If you now leave, are you on time.
Dutch uses the present tense 'ben' where English would typically use 'will be'.
- Als het licht op rood staat, moet je stoppen.
If the light is red, you must stop.
Word by Word: If the light on red stands, must you stop.
This demonstrates a general rule or truth using the present tense.
- Heb je vragen, stel ze dan gerust.
If you have questions, feel free to ask them.
Word by Word: Have you questions, ask them then freely.
Another example of the verb-first construction, often used in instructions or offers.
Common Mistakes
Forgetting inversion in the main clause.
Als het regent, ik blijf thuis.Als het regent, blijf ik thuis.In Dutch, if a sentence starts with a subordinate clause, the main clause must start with the verb.
Using 'wanneer' for a plain 'if' condition.
Different MeaningWanneer je hulp nodig hebt, bel me.Als je hulp nodig hebt, bel me.'Wanneer je hulp nodig hebt, bel me' is correct and means 'whenever you need help'. For a real condition ('if'), 'als' is the usual choice.
Using 'zullen' where the simple present is the usual choice.
Different MeaningAls ik tijd heb, zal ik komen.Als ik tijd heb, kom ik.Als ik tijd heb, zal ik komen is good Dutch. Zullen sounds like a promise or a firm intention, while the simple present is the more common everyday choice.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To form type 1 conditional sentences in Dutch, you need to understand how to use the conjunction 'als' to set a condition. Structurally, this requires knowledge of subordinate clause word order (SOV) for the condition itself, and the rules of inversion for the main clause when it follows the condition.
- alsIf/When
The conjunction 'als' (if) is the primary marker used to introduce the condition in type 1 conditional sentences.
Level 2 - SOV in Subordinate Clauses
The 'if-clause' in a conditional sentence is a subordinate clause, requiring the verb to move to the end of that clause.
Level 3 - Verb-second Rule
When a conditional sentence starts with the 'if-clause', the main clause must use inversion (verb-subject) because the entire first clause occupies the first position.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- If Without Als
The specific construction where 'als' is omitted and the sentence starts with the verb.
Level 5 - Unreal Present Conditional
The next step: expressing hypothetical or unlikely situations using the past tense.
Level 4 - indienIf (Formal)
The formal alternative to 'als' used in official or legal contexts.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice Real Conditional in Bubblegum
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