zo...dat
So...that
Use zo + [adjective/adverb] + dat to say 'so... that'. It links a specific degree of a quality to a consequence.
How It Works
The zo...dat construction is the standard way in Dutch to express a consecutive result (a consequence).
1. Structure and Word Order
The construction is split across two clauses:
- Main Clause: Contains zo followed immediately by an adjective or adverb.
- Subordinate Clause: Starts with dat. Because dat is a subordinating conjunction, the word order changes: the verbs must move to the very end of the clause.
2. Meaning and Nuance
Unlike a simple result using dus (so/therefore), zo...dat emphasizes that the result happened because the quality reached a certain extreme level. In speech, the word zo is often stressed to highlight this intensity.
3. Formal Alternatives
In formal or written Dutch, you might encounter zodanig dat or dermate...dat, which function identically but carry a more professional tone.
Examples (4)
- Het was zo koud dat het water bevroor.
It was so cold that the water froze.
Word by Word: It was so cold that the water froze.
Here, 'zo' intensifies the adjective 'koud', and the result (freezing) follows 'dat'.
- Zij zong zo mooi dat iedereen stil werd.
She sang so beautifully that everyone became silent.
Word by Word: She sang so beautiful that everyone silent became.
Notice the subordinate word order: the verb 'werd' moves to the end after 'dat'.
- Ik ben zo moe dat ik niet kan werken.
I am so tired that I cannot work.
Word by Word: I am so tired that I not can work.
The intensity of being tired results in the inability to work. The verb cluster 'kan werken' is at the end.
- De film was zo saai dat we naar huis zijn gegaan.
The movie was so boring that we went home.
Word by Word: The movie was so boring that we to house are gone.
A result in the past tense using the perfectum with zijn.
Common Mistakes
Using main clause word order after 'dat'.
Ik was zo moe dat ik kon niet slapen.Ik was zo moe dat ik niet kon slapen.The word 'dat' triggers subordinate word order, meaning the verbs must go to the end.
Using 'zodat' when you want to show degree.
Different MeaningHet was heet zodat we gingen zwemmen.Het was zo heet dat we gingen zwemmen.'Het was heet, zodat we gingen zwemmen' is correct and states a result. To show how hot it was, use the split 'zo ... dat': 'Het was zo heet dat we gingen zwemmen.'
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'zo...dat' (so...that), you need to understand how to use 'dat' as a conjunction and how it triggers subordinate word order (placing verbs at the end). You also need to be familiar with using adjectives, as 'zo' usually intensifies an adjective to set up the result.
- datThat (Conjunction)
The pattern 'zo...dat' uses the conjunction 'dat' to introduce the result clause.
Level 2 - SOV in Subordinate Clauses
The clause following 'dat' is a subordinate clause, requiring the verb-final word order.
Level 3 - Basic Adjective Placement
The word 'zo' typically modifies an adjective or adverb to indicate intensity before the result is stated.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- zodatZodat (So That)
Zodat is a single conjunction meaning 'so that'; it expresses purpose or result without emphasizing the degree of an adjective.
Level 3 - te + Adjective + om te + InfinitiveToo...to
Used when a degree is 'too much' to allow for a certain result, whereas 'zo...dat' is more neutral.
Level 4 - zodanig datSuch That (Formal)
A more formal, literary version of 'zo...dat'.
Level 5 - net zo...alsAs...as
Uses 'zo' in a comparison of equality ('as...as') rather than expressing a result.
Level 2 - dusSo (Dus)
A coordinating conjunction used to show a simple result ('so/therefore') without focusing on intensity.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice zo...dat in Bubblegum
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