zonder

Without

Level 1

Zonder is the Dutch word for 'without'. It is used to show the absence of something or someone, and it can also be used with verbs to say 'without doing' something.

How It Works

The preposition zonder is a high-frequency word used to express exclusion. Here is how to become proficient in its use:

1. With Nouns and Pronouns:
Place zonder before the object. In Dutch, articles are often dropped in general expressions (e.g., zonder jas instead of zonder een jas). To say 'without it' about a thing, Dutch splits the words: er goes in the middle of the sentence and zonder stays at the end (as in ik kan er niet zonder). A fused erzonder is not standard.
Example: Ik drink koffie zonder suiker. (I drink coffee without sugar.)

2. With Verbs (Same Subject):
If the subject of the main sentence is the one performing the action, use the zonder te structure. The word te comes right before the infinitive at the end of the clause.
Example: Hij ging weg zonder gedag te zeggen. (He left without saying goodbye.)

3. With Verbs (Different Subject):
If the 'without' action involves a different subject, you must use zonder dat followed by a full clause (subject + verbs at the end).
Example: Hij kwam binnen zonder dat ik het hoorde. (He came in without me hearing it.)

4. Zonder vs. Behalve:
Do not use zonder when you mean 'except for'. Use behalve for exclusions from a group.
Example: Iedereen was er, behalve Jan. (Everyone was there, except Jan.)

Examples (6)

  1. Ik kan niet zonder jou leven.

    I cannot live without you.

    Word by Word: I can not without you live.

    Here, 'zonder' is used with the object pronoun 'jou'.

  2. Hij loopt buiten zonder jas.

    He is walking outside without a coat.

    Word by Word: He walks outside without coat.

    In Dutch, the article 'een' (a) is often omitted after 'zonder' in common phrases.

  3. Zij vertrok zonder iets te zeggen.

    She left without saying anything.

    Word by Word: She departed without something to say.

    This shows the 'zonder ... te + infinitive' pattern used when the subject (she) is the one performing the action.

  4. Ik kan niet werken zonder dat de radio aanstaat.

    I cannot work without the radio being on.

    Word by Word: I can not work without that the radio on-stands.

    We use 'zonder dat' because the subject of the second part (the radio) is different from the main subject (I).

  5. Ik heb mijn telefoon nodig, ik kan er niet zonder.

    I need my phone, I cannot do without it.

    Word by Word: I have my phone needed, I can there not without.

    When referring to an object (it), Dutch uses 'erzonder' instead of 'zonder het'.

  6. We kunnen niet winnen zonder hard te werken.

    We cannot win without working hard.

    Word by Word: We can not win without hard to work.

    Notice how 'hard' is placed between 'zonder' and 'te werken'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the '-ing' form after 'zonder'.

    Hij ging weg zonder zeggend gedag.
    Hij ging weg zonder gedag te zeggen.

    Dutch uses 'te + infinitive' instead of the English '-ing' (gerund) after prepositions like 'zonder'.

  • Using 'zonder' to mean 'except for'.

    Iedereen was er zonder Jan.
    Iedereen was er behalve Jan.

    'Zonder Jan' says Jan is missing or left out of the group. To say 'everyone but Jan', 'behalve Jan' is the usual choice.

  • Incorrect 'te' placement with separable verbs.

    Zonder te opbellen.
    Zonder op te bellen.

    In a 'te + infinitive' construction, 'te' must be placed between the prefix and the verb stem of a separable verb.

How It Connects

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

zonderLevel 1Without

Learn This First

Zonder is a basic preposition meaning 'without'. To use it correctly, you should understand how simple prepositions relate to nouns and be familiar with its opposite, 'met'.

Words in This Pattern