zodat

Zodat (So That)

Level 3

Use zodat to connect a main action to its intended purpose or its natural consequence (e.g., "I study so that I pass").

How It Works

The word zodat is a versatile tool in Dutch for linking two ideas where the second part is the outcome of the first.

1. Purpose vs. Result
Unlike some languages that distinguish between 'intent' and 'accidental result,' Dutch uses zodat for both:

  • Purpose: Ik leer hard, zodat ik slaag. (I study hard so that I pass — Intentional).
  • Result: Het regende hard, zodat de straat overstroomde. (It rained hard, so that the street flooded — Consequence).

2. Word Order (The Subclause)
Because zodat introduces a dependent clause, you must follow the subordinate clause word order. The subject comes first, followed by other information, and the verb(s) must go to the end.

3. Punctuation
In standard Dutch, a comma is almost always placed before zodat to clearly separate the main clause from the result/purpose clause.

4. Zodat vs. Dus
While both can translate to 'so,' dus is a coordinating conjunction (or adverb) that doesn't change the word order in the same way. Zodat specifically focuses on the 'in order that' or 'with the result that' aspect.

Examples (4)

  1. Ik schrijf het adres op, zodat ik het niet vergeet.

    I am writing the address down so that I don't forget it.

    Word by Word: I write the address up, so-that I it not forget.

    Notice how 'vergeet' moves to the end of the sentence after 'zodat'.

  2. De zon scheen fel, zodat we buiten konden zitten.

    The sun shone brightly, so that we could sit outside.

    Word by Word: The sun shone brightly, so-that we outside could sit.

    When using multiple verbs (konden zitten), they both cluster at the end.

  3. Zet de melk in de koelkast, zodat hij niet bederft.

    Put the milk in the fridge so that it doesn't spoil.

    Word by Word: Put the milk in the fridge, so-that he not spoils.

    Here, 'zodat' expresses the intended purpose of putting the milk away.

  4. Hij spreekt langzaam, zodat iedereen hem begrijpt.

    He speaks slowly so that everyone understands him.

    Word by Word: He speaks slowly, so-that everyone him understands.

    The verb 'begrijpt' is pushed to the end by the conjunction 'zodat'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using SVO word order (verb in the middle) instead of SOV (verb at the end).

    Ik werk hard, zodat ik *kan* een auto kopen.
    Ik werk hard, zodat ik een auto *kan kopen*.

    In a subclause starting with 'zodat', the verbs must go to the very end.

  • Confusing 'zodat' with 'zo... dat' (degree).

    Hij was zodat moe dat hij sliep.
    Hij was zo moe dat hij sliep.

    Use zo...dat (split) when you mean 'so [adjective] that'. Use 'zodat' (combined) for purpose or result.

How It Connects

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

zodatLevel 3Zodat (So That)

Learn This First

To use 'zodat' correctly, you must be comfortable with Dutch subordinate clause word order, where the conjugated verb moves to the end of the sentence. It is also helpful to understand the difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.

Words in This Pattern

zodat