desondanks — meaning in English: despite

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Guess the translation for despite

dinsdag

kunnen

subtiliteit

verblijf

desondanks

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neutral common

Usage

Native Dutch speakers commonly use 'desondanks' in both spoken and written contexts to express contrast or opposition. For instance, you might hear it in discussions about personal challenges, such as: 'Desondanks de regen gingen we wandelen,' meaning 'Despite the rain, we went for a walk.' It's often found in newspaper articles or formal speeches when addressing unexpected outcomes.

Synonyms & nuances

'Desondanks' is similar to the word 'toch,' which also conveys contrast but is more informal and can imply a sense of surprise. You would choose 'desondanks' when you want to emphasize the contrast in a more serious or formal context.

Culture

'Desondanks' is derived from the combination of 'de' (the) and 'sondanks' (thanks to) in older Dutch, which emphasizes a sense of overcoming or resilience. In Dutch culture, the use of such words reflects the pragmatic attitude of many Dutch people, who often acknowledge difficulties while maintaining a forward-looking perspective.

FAQ

Q.What does 'desondanks' mean in English?

'Desondanks' translates to 'despite' in English. It is used to indicate that something happens regardless of a particular circumstance.

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

You can use 'desondanks' to introduce a clause that contrasts with the main idea, such as: 'Desondanks zijn inspanningen, slaagde hij niet,' meaning 'Despite his efforts, he did not succeed.'

Q.Is there a specific grammatical rule for using 'desondanks'?

'Desondanks' is generally followed by a clause, so you'll want to ensure you connect it to a complete thought. For example, it's proper to say, 'Desondanks het slechte weer, ging de wedstrijd door,' which means 'Despite the bad weather, the match continued.'

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Dutch Vocabulary