wanneer
When
Wanneer is the Dutch word for 'when'. It is primarily used for questions (direct and indirect) and as a formal conjunction meaning 'whenever'.
How It Works
1. Interrogative Adverb (Questions)
In direct questions, wanneer triggers V2 inversion, meaning the verb comes immediately after it. In indirect questions (e.g., 'I don't know when...'), it follows subordinate clause word order.
2. Subordinating Conjunction
When used to connect two parts of a sentence (meaning 'at the time that' or 'whenever'), wanneer is formal. In everyday spoken Dutch, als is the default choice for 'when' or 'if' in the present and future.
3. Specificity vs. General Time
Use wanneer for days, dates, or general timeframes. If you need to ask for a specific clock time, use hoe laat (how late) instead.
4. The Past Tense Trap
A common mistake is using wanneer for a single event in the past. In Dutch, you must use toen for specific, one-time past events. Wanneer (or more commonly als) is used as a conjunction in the past only if the event happened repeatedly (meaning 'whenever').
Examples (5)
- Wanneer begint de film?
When does the film start?
Word by Word: When starts the film?
A standard direct question using question word order.
- Ik weet niet wanneer hij komt.
I don't know when he is coming.
Word by Word: I know not when he comes.
An indirect question where the verb 'komt' moves to the end due to subordinate clause word order.
- Wanneer het regent, blijven we binnen.
Whenever it rains, we stay inside.
Word by Word: When it rains, stay we inside.
Used as a formal conjunction. In everyday speech, als is much more common here.
- Wanneer ben je jarig?
When is your birthday?
Word by Word: When are you birthday-ish?
Asking for a date. If you need a specific clock time, use hoe laat.
- Toen ik klein was, speelde ik buiten.
When I was little, I played outside.
Word by Word: When I small was, played I outside.
For one specific time or period in the past, use toen, not 'wanneer'.
Common Mistakes
Using 'wanneer' for a single past event.
Wanneer ik gisteren naar de stad ging, zag ik hem.Toen ik gisteren naar de stad ging, zag ik hem.For a specific, one-time event in the past, you must use 'toen'.
Using 'wanneer' when you want the clock time.
Different MeaningWanneer is het?Hoe laat is het?'Wanneer is het?' is correct, but it asks when something takes place. To ask 'What time is it?', Dutch uses 'Hoe laat is het?' (How late is it).
Incorrect word order in a subordinate clause.
Ik vraag me af wanneer komt de trein.Ik vraag me af wanneer de trein komt.In an indirect question, the verb must go to the end of the clause.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'wanneer' (when) effectively, you need to know how to form a basic sentence and conjugate verbs to match your subject. Since 'wanneer' is primarily used in questions, understanding basic word order is crucial for placing the question word and the verb in their correct positions.
- Word Order Basics
Understanding how to structure a basic sentence is necessary to place the interrogative adverb 'wanneer' correctly at the start of a question.
Foundations - Basic Verb Conjugation
Forming questions with 'wanneer' requires the ability to conjugate verbs to match the subject of the sentence.
Foundations - ik/jij/hij/zijSubject Pronouns Singular
Subject pronouns are essential for forming the complete questions that 'wanneer' typically introduces.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- toenWhen (Past)
'Toen' is the past-tense equivalent of 'when' for single completed events.
Level 2 - alsIf/When
'Als' is the more common, less formal way to say 'when' or 'if' in statements.
Level 2 - Questions With a Question Word
'Wanneer' follows the standard rules for Dutch question formation.
Level 1 - SOV in Subordinate Clauses
When 'wanneer' starts a subclause, it triggers SOV word order.
Level 3 - Telling the Time
Contrast 'wanneer' with 'hoe laat' when asking for specific clock times.
Level 1
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Patterns that build on this one.
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