To see it step by step, we will compare the word order of the main clause (see overview of the main clause?) with the subordinate clause.
Word order of the main clause
The main clause generally begins with the finite formation (FF)? and ends in the other verbs (OV)?.
The finite formation (FF)? consists of the subject and the finite verb. In a main clause, subject and finite verb are inseparable, nothing can come between them.
Word order of the subordinate clause
In a subclause, the two are separated: the subject stays at the beginning of the sentence but the finite form is moved to the end where it joins the other verbs.
Because all verbs are now grouped at the end, we can simply refer to this sentence-element as all verbs (VERBS).
Examples of subordinate clauses
| main clause
| conj?
| subject
| -
| verbs?
|
| We kwamen te laat
| doordat
| onze trein
| -
| was vertraagd
|
| We were late because our train was delayed.
|
| Just call me when you are at the station.
|
| main clause
| conj?
| subject
| PLACE?
| verbs?
|
De gulden is geen
betaalmiddel meer
| sinds
| de euro
| in de Eurozone
| is ingevoerd.
|
| The guilder is no longer legal tender since the Euro was introduced in the Euro zone.
|
| main clause
| conj?
| subject
| MANNER?
| PLACE?
| verbs?
|
| Ze hebben een fietspad aangelegd
| zodat
| we
| veilig
| naar ons werk
| kunnen fietsen.
|
| They made a bicycle road so that we can cycle to work safely.
|
Mistoqsijiet?