dus
So (Dus)
Dus means 'so' or 'therefore'. It connects a cause to a result.
How It Works
The word dus is the most common way to express 'so' or 'therefore' in Dutch. It is unique because it allows for two different word orders, which are often interchangeable depending on the context:
1. Standard/Speech Order: In everyday conversation, dus often behaves like en or maar. The word order remains Subject + Verb.
Example: Het regent, dus ik blijf binnen.
2. Traditional/Formal Order: Especially in written Dutch, dus can trigger inversion, where the verb moves before the subject (Verb + Subject).
Example: Het regent, dus blijf ik binnen.
3. Modal Particle: Dus is also used as a particle to emphasize that something is a logical conclusion (e.g., 'Het is dus klaar' - 'It is so/simply finished'). When placed at the very end of a sentence, it functions as a tag question to ask for confirmation.
Examples (5)
- Ik ben moe, dus ik ga slapen.
I am tired, so I am going to sleep.
Word by Word: I am tired, so I go sleep.
In common speech and informal writing, 'dus' often acts like a coordinating conjunction, keeping the standard word order (ik ga).
- Het is koud, dus draag ik een jas.
It is cold, so I am wearing a coat.
Word by Word: It is cold, so wear I a coat.
In more formal or structured writing, 'dus' often triggers inversion, moving the verb (draag) before the subject (ik).
- Dat is dus niet waar.
That is simply not true.
Word by Word: That is so not true.
Here 'dus' is used as a modal particle to add emphasis or indicate that a conclusion is obvious.
- Je komt morgen ook, dus?
You're coming tomorrow too, right?
Word by Word: You come tomorrow also, so?
Placing 'dus' at the end of a sentence is a common way to ask for confirmation, similar to saying 'right?' or 'so?' in English.
- De winkel is dicht, dus gaan we naar huis.
The shop is closed, so we are going home.
Word by Word: The shop is closed, so go we to house.
This shows the inversion pattern (gaan we). Both this and 'dus we gaan' are grammatically correct, though this version feels slightly more formal.
Common Mistakes
Using 'zo' to mean 'so' as a consequence.
Ik ben ziek, zo ik kom niet.Ik ben ziek, dus ik kom niet.In Dutch, 'zo' means 'so' in the sense of 'in this way' or 'to such an extent' (e.g., 'zo groot'). To express 'therefore', use 'dus'.
Using 'dus' for the reason instead of the result.
Different MeaningIk eet, dus ik heb honger.Ik eet, want ik heb honger.'Ik eet, dus ik heb honger' is correct Dutch, but it says eating is the reason you are hungry. 'Want' introduces the reason: 'Ik eet, want ik heb honger.' To keep 'dus', swap the clauses: 'Ik heb honger, dus ik eet.'
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'dus' (so), you need to be comfortable forming basic Dutch sentences with correct word order. Since 'dus' acts as a coordinating conjunction, it is helpful to first understand how simpler connectors like 'en' (and) function to join two complete thoughts.
- Word Order Basics
Understanding basic Dutch word order is essential because 'dus' joins two main clauses where the standard subject-verb order is maintained.
Foundations - enAnd
Learning 'en' introduces the concept of coordinating conjunctions that connect two independent clauses, which is the same grammatical structure used by 'dus'.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- maarBut
'Maar' is a coordinating conjunction that shares the same word order rules as the informal 'dus'.
Level 1 - wantBecause (Coordinating)
'Want' is the logical opposite of 'dus'; it explains the cause rather than the result.
Level 1 - Verb-second Rule
In formal Dutch, 'dus' triggers the V2 rule where the verb moves to the second position in the clause.
Level 3 - daarom/echter/bovendienDaarom, Echter, Bovendien
'Daarom' (therefore) is a synonym for 'dus' but it always requires inversion, whereas 'dus' is flexible.
Level 4
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice dus in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Dutch lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
