Advanced Conjunctions and Discourse Markers

Advanced Conjunctions and Discourse Markers (B2)

B2 level involves using a wider range of conjunctions (voegwoorden) and discourse markers (signaalwoorden/structuurwoorden) to connect ideas more precisely, structure arguments logically, and create more sophisticated and cohesive text. This goes beyond the basic linking words of A1/B1.

Types and Functions:

Concessive Conjunctions/Adverbs (Expressing Contrast/Unexpectedness):

Review hoewel (although - subordinating).
ondanks (+ noun) (despite)
Example: Ondanks de regen, gingen we wandelen. (Despite the rain, we went walking.)
toch/echter/nochtans (however, yet, nevertheless - coordinating adverbs, often start new sentence or follow subject after inversion)
Example: Het regende. Toch gingen we wandelen. / Het regende. We gingen echter wandelen.
desalniettemin (nevertheless - more formal adverb, similar to toch/echter)
Example: Het was duur. Desalniettemin hebben we het gekocht. (It was expensive. Nevertheless, we bought it.)
ook al (even if/even though - subordinating)
Example: Ik ga, ook al ben ik moe. (I'm going, even though I'm tired.)

Causal Conjunctions/Adverbs (Expressing Reason/Cause):

Review omdat/want (because).
aangezien (since, seeing that - subordinating, often starts sentence)
Example: Aangezien het laat is, ga ik naar huis. (Since it's late, I'm going home.)
immers (after all, because - adverb, explains preceding statement, often placed later in sentence)
Example: Hij zal wel moe zijn. Hij heeft immers de hele nacht gewerkt. (He must be tired. After all, he worked all night.)
namelijk (namely, because - adverb, explains preceding statement, cannot start sentence)
Example: Ik kon niet komen, ik was namelijk ziek. (I couldn't come, because I was ill.)
daardoor (because of that, consequently - adverb)

Result/Consequence Conjunctions/Adverbs:

Review dus (so - coordinating conjunction/adverb).
daarom (therefore, that's why - adverb)
zodat (so that - subordinating, expresses purpose or result)
Example (Purpose): Spreek luid, zodat iedereen je kan horen. (Speak loudly so that everyone can hear you.)
Example (Result): Het vroor hard, zodat de sloten bevroren waren. (It froze hard, so that the ditches were frozen.)
vandaar (hence, that's why - adverb)

Structuring/Ordering/Listing Adverbs:

ten eerste/ten tweede/ten derde (firstly/secondly/thirdly)
enerzijds... anderzijds (on the one hand... on the other hand)
Example: Enerzijds wil ik op vakantie, anderzijds wil ik geld sparen. (On the one hand I want to go on holiday, on the other hand I want to save money.)
vervolgens (subsequently, then)
bovendien/daarnaast (moreover, besides, in addition)
ten slotte (finally, lastly)

Conditional Conjunctions:

Review als/indien (if), tenzij (unless), mits (provided that).
op voorwaarde dat (on the condition that - subordinating)

Key Differences and Usage Points (B2):

Subordinating vs. Coordinating: Understanding whether a word introduces a subordinate clause (verb end) or connects main clauses/acts as an adverb (affecting inversion).
Adverb Placement: Knowing where discourse markers like toch, echter, immers, namelijk, daarom typically fit within a sentence.
Register: Recognizing which words are more formal (desalniettemin, aangezien, wellicht) vs. neutral (toch, omdat, misschien).
Nuance: Choosing the marker that most precisely expresses the logical relationship (e.g., the difference between want, omdat, namelijk, immers).

Importance for B2:

These markers are essential for constructing complex, well-structured arguments, writing coherent essays and reports, understanding academic or formal texts, and participating effectively in discussions and debates.