Cause, Result, and Concessive Clauses in Basque

Overview

At the B2 level, you need advanced clause types to build arguments, explain reasoning, and acknowledge counterpoints. Basque expresses cause with -lako/-delako (because) and -nez gero (given that), result with beraz/horregatik (therefore), and concession with -n arren (although) and nahiz eta (even though).

These connectors let you construct the kind of complex, multi-layered discourse expected at B2: explaining why something happened, drawing conclusions, and acknowledging opposing viewpoints while maintaining your position.

How It Works

Causal clauses (because/since):

Connector	Pattern	Example
-(e)lako / -delako	verb + suffix	Gaixorik dagoelako ez da etorri.
-nez gero	verb + suffix	Berandu denez gero, joango gara.
-nez	verb + suffix	Hemen gaudenez. (Since we are here.)
bait-	prefix on auxiliary	Ez baita etorri. (Since he/she didn't come.)

Result/conclusion connectors:

Connector	Meaning	Example
beraz	therefore	Beraz, joango gara.
horregatik	because of that	Horregatik ez dut sinesten.
ondorioz	as a result	Ondorioz, berandu iritsi ginen.
hortaz	consequently	Hortaz, zer egingo dugu?

Concessive clauses (although/even though):

Connector	Pattern	Example
-(e)n arren	verb + suffix	Euria egin arren, irten gara.
nahiz eta	nahiz eta + verb	Nahiz eta zaila izan, lortu dugu.
hala ere	independent connector	Hala ere, saiatu behar dugu.

Examples in Context

Basque	English	Note
Berandu denez gero, joango gara.	Given that it's late, we will go.	Causal -nez gero
Euria egin arren, irten gara.	Although it rained, we went out.	Concessive -n arren
Nahiz eta zaila izan, lortu dugu.	Even though it was difficult, we achieved it.	Concessive nahiz eta
Horregatik ez dut sinesten.	That's why I don't believe it.	Result connector
Gaixorik dagoelako ez da etorri.	He/She didn't come because he/she is sick.	Causal -lako
Beraz, zer egin behar dugu?	So, what should we do?	Conclusion
Hala ere, ez dago beste aukerarik.	Nevertheless, there is no other option.	Concessive connector
Lanean ari naizenez, ezin dut etorri.	Since I am working, I cannot come.	Causal -nez
Ondorioz, proiektua atzeratu da.	As a result, the project was delayed.	Formal result
Diru asko gastatu dugu, baina nahiz eta hala izan, merezi izan du.	We spent a lot of money, but even so, it was worth it.	Complex concession

Common Mistakes

Confusing -lako and -nez

• Wrong: Using them without distinction
• Right: -lako gives the direct reason, -nez presents background/known context
• Why: Gaixorik dagoelako (because he/she is sick — the reason). Gaixorik dagoenez (given that he/she is sick — presenting known fact before conclusion).

Using hala ere as a subordinator

• Wrong: Hala ere zaila da, egin dugu. (without proper clause structure)
• Right: Zaila da. Hala ere, egin dugu. (separate sentences) or Zaila izan arren, egin dugu.
• Why: Hala ere (nevertheless) is a discourse connector between sentences, not a subordinating conjunction within a sentence. For within-sentence concession, use -n arren or nahiz eta.

Wrong verb form with nahiz eta

• Wrong: Nahiz eta zaila dela.
• Right: Nahiz eta zaila izan.
• Why: After nahiz eta, the verb appears in its base/participial form (izan), not a conjugated form with -la.

Usage Notes

These advanced clause types are essential for academic and professional Basque. In argumentative writing, the pattern "concession + main point" (nahiz eta X, Y) is a powerful rhetorical structure. The connector beraz (therefore) is ubiquitous in both spoken and written Basque for drawing conclusions. The prefix bait- (since/because) is common in literary and formal registers as an alternative to -lako: ez baita etorri (since he/she didn't come). Regional preferences exist between -lako and bait- for causal meaning.

Practice Tips

1. Practice building arguments: state a cause with -lako/-nez, then draw a conclusion with beraz/horregatik.
2. Practice concessive structures by acknowledging a counterpoint and then stating your main point: Nahiz eta garestia izan, kalitatea ona da.
3. Rewrite paragraphs using different causal and concessive connectors to develop variety in your writing.

Related Concepts

• Subordinate Clauses