Unreal Present Conditional
The Unreal Present Conditional (Type 2) describes 'what if' scenarios that are not currently true. It is the Dutch equivalent of 'If I were..., I would...'
How It Works
This pattern is used for situations that are counterfactual (not true right now) or highly unlikely in the present or future.
1. The 'Als' Clause (Condition)
Traditionally, the verb in the 'if' clause uses the simple past (OVT).
- The verb goes to the end because it is a subordinate clause.
- Verb-First Variation: You can omit 'als' by starting the sentence with the verb in the past tense (e.g., Had ik tijd...). This is common in formal or literary styles.
- Modern Usage: In spoken Dutch, it is increasingly common to use zou/zouden + infinitive in the 'als' clause as well (the 'Double Zou'). This is correct Dutch, though many writers prefer the simple past in the 'als' clause.
- The 'Mocht' Variation: You can use mocht or mochten to express 'should' or 'in case'.
2. The Main Clause (Result)
The main clause typically uses zou or zouden with an infinitive at the end.
- The 'Dan' Bridge: Dutch speakers often insert dan (then) to link the clauses: Als ik rijk was, dan zou ik...
- If the 'als' clause comes first, the main clause uses inversion.
- Symmetric OVT: For common verbs, the main clause can also use the simple past instead of 'zou' (e.g., Had ik tijd, dan kwam ik).
3. Usage Nuances
This structure is the standard way to give advice (Als ik jou was...) or to make polite requests (Zou u...?). To become proficient in Dutch, focus on using the simple past in the 'als' clause for formal writing, while accepting 'zou' in spoken contexts.
Examples (6)
- Als ik meer tijd had, zou ik elke dag naar de sportschool gaan.
If I had more time, I would go to the gym every day.
Word by Word: If I more time had, would I every day to the gym go.
The speaker does not have time now, making this a hypothetical present situation.
- Had ik meer geld, dan kocht ik een huis.
Had I more money, I would buy a house.
Word by Word: Had I more money, then bought I a house.
In formal or literary Dutch, you can omit 'als' by starting the sentence with the verb (Verb-First).
- Als ik het wist, zou ik het je vertellen.
If I knew it, I would tell you.
Word by Word: If I it knew, would I it you tell.
This 'Double Zou' construction is very common in modern spoken Dutch, even though formal grammar prefers the simple past in the 'if' clause.
- Zou u mij kunnen helpen?
Would you be able to help me?
Word by Word: Would you me can help?
The conditional is frequently used to make requests more polite.
- Als ik jou was, zou ik die auto niet kopen.
If I were you, I wouldn't buy that car.
Word by Word: If I you was, would I that car not buy.
This is a standard way to give advice in Dutch using the unreal conditional.
- Mocht het gaan regenen, dan blijven we binnen.
Should it start to rain, we will stay inside.
Word by Word: Should it go rain, then stay we inside.
The verb 'mocht' (singular) or 'mochten' (plural) is used to express a hypothetical 'should' or 'in case' scenario.
Common Mistakes
Using 'zou' in the 'als' clause in careful writing.
Different MeaningAls ik rijk zou zijn, zou ik een boot kopen.Als ik rijk was, zou ik een boot kopen.Both sentences are correct. 'Als ik rijk zou zijn' is common, especially in speech. Many writers prefer the simple past in the 'als' clause ('Als ik rijk was'), which is the pattern this page teaches.
Incorrect word order in the main clause after 'als'.
Als ik tijd had, ik zou komen.Als ik tijd had, zou ik komen.When the 'als' clause starts the sentence, the main clause must start with the verb (inversion).
How It Connects
Learn This First
To form type 2 conditionals (unreal present), you need to combine the past tense (imperfectum) in the 'if' clause with the conditional auxiliary 'zou/zouden' and an infinitive in the main clause. Additionally, because 'als' introduces a subordinate clause, you must understand the specific word order rules where the verb moves to the end.
- zou/zoudenWould (Conditional)
The conditional auxiliary 'zou/zouden' is the core component of the main clause in type 2 conditional sentences.
Level 2 - SOV in Subordinate Clauses
The 'als' clause is a subordinate clause, requiring the learner to know how to place the conjugated verb at the end of the clause.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- Real Conditional
Type 1 deals with real, possible conditions, whereas Type 2 deals with unreal or unlikely ones.
Level 4 - Unreal Past Conditional
Type 3 refers to unreal situations in the past (If I had been...), whereas Type 2 refers to the present.
Level 4 - Strong Verb Past Tense
The 'als' clause requires knowledge of simple past verb forms.
Level 2 - -te/-de-te/-de Past Tense
Weak past tense forms are used in the condition clause for regular verbs.
Level 2 - Verb-second Rule
When the 'als' clause comes first, the main clause must use inversion.
Level 3
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice Unreal Present Conditional in Bubblegum
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