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Conjunctions (Konjunktionen)

Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses. In German, conjunctions play an important role in sentence structure and word order.

Types of Conjunctions

  • Coordinating conjunctions (Nebenordnende Konjunktionen): connect equal parts (e.g., und, oder, aber, denn, sondern)
  • Subordinating conjunctions (Unterordnende Konjunktionen): introduce dependent clauses and change word order (e.g., weil, dass, wenn, obwohl, während)
  • Correlative conjunctions (Korrelative Konjunktionen): used in pairs (e.g., entweder ... oder, weder ... noch, sowohl ... als auch)

Examples

  • Ich mag Kaffee und Tee. (I like coffee and tea.) – coordinating
  • Er bleibt zu Hause, weil er krank ist. (He stays home because he is sick.) – subordinating
  • Entweder du kommst oder du bleibst. (Either you come or you stay.) – correlative

Notes

  • Coordinating conjunctions do not change word order.
  • Subordinating conjunctions send the verb to the end of the clause.
  • Correlative conjunctions are used for emphasis or alternatives.

Mastering conjunctions helps you build more complex and natural sentences in German.