Dutch: omdaat & want
Jul. 6th, 2024 05:33 pmBoth mean "because" but have slightly different nuances:
omdat is used for objective reasons and turns the sentence SOV. It can also be used at the start of the sentence.
want is used for subjective reasons and keeps the sentence SVO(V). Unlike omdat, it can't be used at the start.
i.e.
Ik vertrek omdat ik ziek ben.
I'm leaving because I'm sick.
(--> speaker is objectively sick)
Ik vertrek want ik ben ziek.
I'm leaving because I'm sick.
(--> speaker feels they are sick)
Waarom vertrok ze? Om dat ze zich niet goed voelt.
Why did she leave? Because she's not feeling well.
(Point of reference.)
omdat is used for objective reasons and turns the sentence SOV. It can also be used at the start of the sentence.
want is used for subjective reasons and keeps the sentence SVO(V). Unlike omdat, it can't be used at the start.
i.e.
Ik vertrek omdat ik ziek ben.
I'm leaving because I'm sick.
(--> speaker is objectively sick)
Ik vertrek want ik ben ziek.
I'm leaving because I'm sick.
(--> speaker feels they are sick)
Waarom vertrok ze? Om dat ze zich niet goed voelt.
Why did she leave? Because she's not feeling well.
(Point of reference.)