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A2 preposition Neutre 3 min de lecture

behalve

bəˈɦɑlvə
Entraîne-toi

Overview

The Dutch word 'behalve' is a versatile and commonly used word that primarily functions as a preposition, but can also act as a conjunction. It translates most directly to 'except for', 'apart from', 'but', or 'besides' in English.

**As a Preposition:**

When 'behalve' is used as a preposition, it introduces an exception to a general statement. It can be followed by a noun, pronoun, or a noun phrase. The case of the noun following 'behalve' is typically nominative or accusative, though in modern Dutch, the distinction is often less rigid than in older forms of the language. Here are some examples:

  • Iedereen was er, behalve Jan. (Everyone was there, except for Jan.) - Here, 'Jan' is the exception to 'iedereen' (everyone).
  • Ze eet alles, behalve vlees. (She eats everything, except for meat.) - 'Vlees' (meat) is excluded from what she eats.
  • Behalve jij, niemand wist het. (Except for you, nobody knew it.) - 'Jij' (you) is the only one who knew.

It's important to note that 'behalve' as a preposition can sometimes imply 'in addition to' or 'besides' when used in a positive context, though 'bovendien' or 'naast' are often more explicit for this meaning.

**As a Conjunction:**

Less frequently, 'behalve' can function as a conjunction, connecting two clauses. In this usage, it often means 'unless' or 'if not for'. This usage is somewhat more formal or literary and might be replaced by 'tenzij' in colloquial speech. For example:

  • Ik ga niet, behalve jij meegaat. (I'm not going, unless you come along.) - Here, 'behalve' introduces a condition.

**Common Phrases and Nuances:**

  • Behalve dat... (Except that...) - This phrase is used to introduce an exception that is a complete clause.
  • Alles was perfect, behalve dat het regende. (Everything was perfect, except that it was raining.)
  • Behalve voor... (Except for...) - This is a slightly more emphatic way of saying 'except for', often used when the exception is a person or a specific group.
  • Behalve dan... (Except then...) - This phrase can add a slight nuance of surprise or a stronger emphasis on the exception.

**Distinction from 'maar':**

While 'maar' can sometimes translate to 'but' and introduce an exception, 'behalve' is specifically for stating an exclusion from a group or a general rule. 'Maar' often introduces a contrast or a concession.

In summary, 'behalve' is a core Dutch word for expressing exceptions. Its primary role is as a preposition meaning 'except for', and understanding this usage is key to mastering its application.

Exemples

1

De winkel is elke dag open, behalve op zondag.

Retail/Shopping

The store is open every day, except on Sunday.

2

Iedereen was aanwezig, behalve Jan.

Social/Meetings

Everyone was present, except for Jan.

3

Ik lust alles, behalve spruitjes.

Food/Preferences

I like everything, except for Brussels sprouts.

4

Behalve jij heeft niemand het geweten.

Confidentiality/Secrets

No one knew, except you.

5

Het was een perfecte dag, behalve de regen in de ochtend.

Weather/Events

It was a perfect day, except for the rain in the morning.

Collocations courantes

behalve dan
behalve als
niemand behalve
alles behalve

Souvent confondu avec

behalve vs wanner
When 'behalve' is confused with 'wanner', it's usually in contexts where the speaker is trying to express an exception related to time, e.g., 'every day behalve [when] it rains'. The difference in meaning is significant: 'behalve' means 'except for', indicating an exclusion from a group or category, while 'wanner' means 'when', referring to a point or period in time. This confusion is common among learners who are still grasping the nuances of Dutch conjunctions and prepositions.

Modèles grammaticaux

Behalve [noun phrase] (dan) Behalve dat [sentence]

Comment l'utiliser

Notes d'usage

'Behalve' is a preposition in Dutch, meaning 'except for', 'apart from', or 'but'. It can be followed by a noun, pronoun, or a clause. When followed by a noun or pronoun, it takes the nominative case if the noun/pronoun is the subject of an implied clause, or the accusative case if it's the object. However, in modern Dutch, the distinction in case after 'behalve' is often less strict, and the common practice is to use the nominative form for pronouns (e.g., 'behalve ik' instead of 'behalve mij' when 'I' is the exception to the subject). It can also introduce a clause, often with 'dat' (that), but this is less common than its use with single words or phrases. For example, 'Niemand wist het, behalve dat hij te laat was' (Nobody knew it, except that he was late). It can also be used in conjunction with 'dan' (then) to form 'behalve dan', which emphasizes the exception, similar to 'except for the fact that' or 'other than'. For instance, 'Alles was perfect, behalve dan het weer' (Everything was perfect, except for the weather).

Erreurs courantes

A common mistake is confusing 'behalve' with 'tenzij' (unless). 'Behalve' means 'except for' and indicates an exclusion from a group or statement. For example, 'I like all fruits behalve apples' means apples are excluded from the fruits I like. 'Tenzij' introduces a condition that, if met, changes the outcome. For example, 'I will go for a walk, tenzij it rains' means I will go unless the condition of rain is met. Another mistake is using 'behalve' with a full clause when 'tenzij' would be more appropriate. Remember, 'behalve' typically precedes a noun, pronoun, or short phrase, while 'tenzij' introduces a condition or exception that is often a clause.

Astuces

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Usage Tip

'Behalve' is often used to introduce an exception to a general statement. It can be translated as 'except for', 'apart from', or 'but for'.
💡

Common Mistake

Do not confuse 'behalve' with 'buiten' (outside). While 'buiten' can sometimes imply an exception, 'behalve' is specifically used for exclusion.
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Advanced Usage

'Behalve' can also be used in a more emphatic way, similar to 'not only... but also', when combined with other words. For example, 'Behalve dat het koud was, regende het ook.' (Besides being cold, it also rained.)

Origine du mot

The Dutch word 'behalve' originates from Middle Dutch 'behalven', which is a compound of 'bij' (by, beside) and 'halve' (half, side). This etymology reflects the sense of 'behalve' as 'standing beside' or 'leaving something out'. Over time, its meaning evolved to denote exclusion or exception, becoming synonymous with 'except for' or 'apart from'. It shares roots with similar Germanic constructions indicating separation or distinction.

Contexte culturel

In Dutch culture, 'behalve' (except for) is a commonly used word that functions similarly to its English equivalent. It's often used in everyday conversation, academic discourse, and formal writing. There isn't a specific cultural nuance tied to its usage beyond its direct meaning of exclusion or exception. Dutch communication tends to be direct and precise, and 'behalve' fits well within this linguistic style, clearly delineating what is included and what is not. It can appear in various contexts, from discussing general preferences to making specific stipulations in agreements. For instance, one might say, 'I like all fruits, behalve bananas' (Ik lust alle vruchten, behalve bananen) or 'Everyone was present, behalve Jan' (Iedereen was aanwezig, behalve Jan). Its straightforward application means that cultural interpretations are minimal, focusing primarily on its grammatical and semantic function.

Astuce mémo

Behalve rhymes with 'gelieve' (please). Imagine saying 'Please, no one except for you!' to remember its meaning.

Questions fréquentes

4 questions
'Behalve' is a Dutch word that translates to 'except for' or 'apart from' in English. It's used to indicate an exclusion or an exception to a general statement. For example, if you say 'I like all fruits behalve apples,' it means you like all fruits with the exception of apples.
'Behalve' is typically used to introduce a noun, pronoun, or a clause that specifies what is being excluded. For instance, you could say: 'Iedereen was aanwezig behalve Jan' (Everyone was present except for Jan). Another example is: 'Ik eet alles behalve vlees' (I eat everything apart from meat).
While 'behalve' is quite common, some similar phrases or words can be used depending on the context. These include 'uitgezonderd' (except), 'met uitzondering van' (with the exception of), or sometimes 'tenzij' (unless), though 'tenzij' introduces a condition rather than a direct exclusion.
Yes, 'behalve' inherently implies an exclusion or a differentiation from a general group or statement. It singles out something that does not fit the general rule or category being discussed. It's a clear indicator that what follows is an exception to what was previously stated.

Teste-toi

fill blank

Iedereen was aanwezig, ______ Jan.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
fill blank

De winkel is elke dag open, ______ zondag.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
fill blank

Ik hou van alle fruitsoorten, ______ bananen.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Score : /3

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