zodanig dat
Such That (Formal)
Zodanig dat is the formal equivalent of zo... dat. It describes how the specific nature or intensity of an action leads to a particular consequence.
How It Works
The structure zodanig dat is primarily found in formal written Dutch, such as legal documents and academic reports. It functions as a correlative pair, where zodanig introduces the cause and dat introduces the result.
1. Word Order:
Because dat is a subordinating conjunction, the result clause follows subordinate clause word order (SOV), meaning all verbs are placed at the end of the clause. Unlike the fixed conjunction zodat, the elements zodanig and dat are usually separated by the adjective or verb they modify.
2. Adverbial vs. Adjectival Use:
- Adverbial: When modifying a verb or adjective, use zodanig. Example: De tekst is zodanig aangepast dat hij leesbaar is.
- Adjectival: When modifying a noun, it follows standard adjective inflection rules. It takes an -e (zodanige) for de-words and plural nouns, but remains zodanig when modifying an indefinite singular neuter noun (het-word), such as een zodanig besluit.
3. Synonyms and Register:
In formal contexts, dusdanig is a common and interchangeable synonym for zodanig. In daily conversation, however, native speakers almost exclusively use zo... dat. Using zodanig dat in a casual setting can sound overly bureaucratic.
Examples (5)
- De software is zodanig ontworpen dat gebruikers geen technische kennis nodig hebben.
The software is designed in such a way that users do not need technical knowledge.
Word by Word: The software is in-such-a-way designed that users no technical knowledge need have.
Here, 'zodanig' modifies the manner of the design, and the verb 'hebben' moves to the end of the 'dat' clause.
- Het regende zodanig hard dat het zicht op de weg beperkt werd.
It rained to such an extent that visibility on the road was limited.
Word by Word: It rained in-such-a-way hard that the sight on the road limited was.
In this case, 'zodanig' emphasizes the intensity (degree) of the rain.
- Hij ondervond een zodanige hinder van het lawaai dat hij niet kon werken.
He experienced such a nuisance from the noise that he could not work.
Word by Word: He experienced a such-type nuisance from the noise that he not could work.
Because 'zodanige' modifies the common gender noun 'hinder' (de-word) after an indefinite article, it receives the -e ending.
- Het project had een zodanig effect dat iedereen verrast was.
The project had such an effect that everyone was surprised.
Word by Word: The project had a such-type effect that everyone surprised was.
Note that 'zodanig' does not take an -e here because 'effect' is a neuter noun (het-word) and is preceded by 'een'.
- De regels zijn zodanig opgesteld dat er geen misverstanden kunnen ontstaan.
The rules have been drafted in such a way that no misunderstandings can arise.
Word by Word: The rules are in-such-a-way drafted that there no misunderstandings can arise.
A typical example of formal/administrative Dutch using the pattern to describe the intent of a policy.
Common Mistakes
Using 'zodanig dat' where plain 'zodat' is what you mean.
Different MeaningIk buk zodanig dat ik erbij kan.Ik buk zodat ik erbij kan.'Ik buk zodanig dat ik erbij kan' is correct, but it stresses the way or degree of bending. 'Zodat' simply states the purpose or result, which is usually what you mean.
Using main clause word order after 'dat'.
Het regende zodanig dat we konden niet buiten blijven.Het regende zodanig dat we niet buiten konden blijven.The 'dat' clause is a subordinate clause, so the verbs must cluster at the end.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'zodanig dat', you must first be comfortable with the basic 'zo...dat' (so...that) construction. Additionally, because 'zodanig dat' introduces a subordinate clause, you need to learn Dutch subordinate word order where verbs are placed at the end of the sentence.
Related Patterns
- zodatZodat (So That)
A single conjunction for result/purpose, often confused with the degree-marker 'zodanig dat'.
Level 3 - SOV in Subordinate Clauses
The 'dat' part of this pattern triggers the SOV word order where verbs move to the end.
Level 3 - Academic/Official Dutch
This pattern is a hallmark of high-register, official, and academic Dutch.
Level 5 - Adjective + -eAdjective Inflection
Explains why 'zodanig' becomes 'zodanige' when used before a noun.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice zodanig dat in Bubblegum
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