tenzij — meaning in English: unless

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Guess the translation for unless

tenzij

blij

teleurgesteld

ik hoop het

ervaring

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neutral common

Usage

Native Dutch speakers commonly use 'tenzij' in everyday conversations, especially when discussing conditions or exceptions. For instance, someone might say, 'Ik ga naar het feest, tenzij het regent' (I'm going to the party unless it rains), to indicate their plans hinging on the weather.

Synonyms & nuances

'Tenzij' can be compared with 'behalve' (except) and 'anders' (otherwise). While 'behalve' excludes something entirely, 'tenzij' introduces a conditional clause, making it more versatile in conversations about possibilities.

Culture

'Tenzij' has its roots in Middle Dutch, deriving from 'ten' meaning 'to' and 'zij' meaning 'they' or 'those.' This word embodies the Dutch pragmatic nature, often used to clarify conditions in daily life, reflecting the Dutch preference for directness in communication.

FAQ

Q.What does the Dutch word 'tenzij' mean in English?

'Tenzij' translates to 'unless' in English, indicating a condition that must be met for something to happen.

Q.How do I use 'tenzij' in a sentence?

You can use 'tenzij' to express a condition, such as, 'Ik kom naar het diner, tenzij ik laat werk' (I will come to dinner unless I work late).

Q.Are there common mistakes when using 'tenzij'?

A common mistake is to confuse 'tenzij' with 'behalve.' Remember, 'tenzij' is conditional, while 'behalve' is used for exclusions.

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Dutch Vocabulary