tenzij

Unless

Level 3

Use tenzij to say 'unless'. It marks the one exception that would change a situation. It is more formal than behalve als.

How It Works

The word tenzij is used to introduce a negative condition. It is the formal counterpart to behalve als (except if).

1. Word Order
Because tenzij is a subordinating conjunction, it triggers subordinate clause word order (SOV). This means the conjugated verb(s) must move to the very end of the clause.

2. Sentence Position

  • Middle: Most commonly, it follows the main clause. Ik ga naar buiten, tenzij het regent.
  • Start: It can start a sentence for emphasis. When it does, the main clause must use inversion (Verb-Subject). Tenzij het regent, ga ik naar buiten.

3. Register
In daily spoken Dutch, people often use behalve als instead. However, tenzij is very common in writing, professional contexts, and legal documents. It is precise and clear.

4. Ellipsis
In formal writing, tenzij can be used without a full verb if the meaning is clear from the context, such as tenzij anders vermeld (unless stated otherwise).

Examples (4)

  1. We gaan morgen picknicken, tenzij het regent.

    We are going to have a picnic tomorrow, unless it rains.

    Word by Word: We go tomorrow picnic, unless it rains.

    Notice how the verb 'regent' moves to the end of the clause after 'tenzij'.

  2. Tenzij je een uitnodiging hebt, mag je niet naar binnen.

    Unless you have an invitation, you may not go inside.

    Word by Word: Unless you an invitation have, may you not to inside.

    When 'tenzij' starts the sentence, the main clause ('mag je') uses inversion.

  3. Je krijgt geen korting, tenzij je een klantenkaart laat zien.

    You don't get a discount unless you show a loyalty card.

    Word by Word: You get no discount, unless you a loyalty-card let see.

    The verb cluster 'laat zien' is placed at the end of the subordinate clause.

  4. De winkel is elke dag open, tenzij op zondag.

    The shop is open every day, except on Sundays.

    Word by Word: The shop is every day open, unless on Sunday.

    This is an example of an elliptical construction where the verb is omitted for brevity.

Common Mistakes

  • Using main clause word order after 'tenzij'.

    Ik kom vanavond, tenzij ik ben te moe.
    Ik kom vanavond, tenzij ik te moe ben.

    As a subordinating conjunction, 'tenzij' requires the verb to be at the end of the clause.

  • Adding 'niet' inside the 'tenzij' clause (double negative).

    Ik ga wandelen, tenzij het niet regent.
    Ik ga wandelen, tenzij het regent.

    'Tenzij' already implies a negative condition ('if it does NOT rain'). Adding 'niet' reverses the meaning to 'unless it doesn't rain', which is usually not what the speaker intends.

  • Using 'tenzij' when you mean 'mits'.

    Different MeaningIk help je, tenzij je me betaalt.
    Ik help je, mits je me betaalt.

    The wrong sentence is good Dutch, but it means 'I help you unless you pay me'. 'Tenzij' means 'unless' (negative condition), while 'mits' means 'provided that' (positive condition). Use 'mits' to say the help depends on you paying.

How It Connects

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

tenzijLevel 3Unless

Learn This First

To use 'tenzij' correctly, you must be comfortable with Dutch subordinate clause word order, where the conjugated verb is placed at the end of the clause. It is also helpful to understand basic conditional logic using 'als' (if).

Words in This Pattern

tenzij