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Conjunctions (Konjunktionen)

Conjunctions are words that connect clauses. In German, the type of conjunction you use has a critical effect on your word order.

There are three main types of connectors.

1. Coordinating Conjunctions (ADUSO)

These conjunctions connect two main clauses (or two equal words). They are in "Position 0," meaning they do not affect the word order of the clause that follows. The clause after them still follows the V2 rule.

The acronym to remember them is ADUSO: * A = aber (but) * D = denn (because / for - gives a reason) * U = und (and) * S = sondern (but rather - corrects a negative) * O = oder (or)

Examples: * Ich gehe ins Kino, und mein Bruder bleibt zu Hause. (V2... und ...V2) * Er ist reich, aber er ist nicht glücklich. (V2... aber ...V2) * Wir fahren nicht nach Berlin, sondern wir fahren nach Hamburg. * Ich bleibe hier, denn ich bin müde. (V2... denn ...V2)

Critical Distinction: denn vs. weil Both mean "because," but they have different grammar. * denn (ADUSO): Ich bleibe, denn ich bin müde. (V2) * weil (Subordinating): Ich bleibe, weil ich müde bin. (V-Final)

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

These conjunctions connect a main clause to a subordinate (dependent) clause. They change the word order: they force the conjugated verb to the very end of their clause.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions: weil, dass, ob, wenn, als, obwohl, nachdem, bevor...

  • Er ist traurig, weil sein Hund krank ist. (V-Final)
  • Ich weiß, dass du Recht hast. (V-Final)

(See Subordinating Clauses for a full guide.)

3. Conjunctional Adverbs (Adverbien)

These are adverbs that connect two ideas (often two main clauses). Because they are adverbs, they are a part of the sentence and take up Position 1.

This forces inversion (the verb must come in Position 2, before the subject).

Common Adverbial Conjunctions: * deshalb / darum / deswegen (therefore, that's why) * trotzdem (nevertheless, despite that) * dann / danach (then / after that) * sonst (otherwise) * zuerst (firstly)

Example: * Ich bin müde. Deshalb gehe ich ins Bett. * (I am tired. Therefore [1] go [2] I [3] to bed.) * Er hat nicht gelernt. Trotzdem hat er die Prüfung bestanden. * (He didn't study. Nevertheless [1] has [2] he [3] passed the test.)