Conjunctions in German: how to use them correctly

These little words can make your sentences longer and more interesting. But sometimes they can be confusing if used incorrectly. I will try to explain how to use conjunctions correctly to make your German phrases cool and understandable. Let's figure it out together!

These little words can make your sentences longer and more interesting. But sometimes they can be confusing if used incorrectly. I will try to explain how to use conjunctions correctly to make your German phrases cool and understandable. Let's figure it out together!
What are the different types of conjunctions in German
There are three main types of conjunctions in German: conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions and double conjunctions.
Conjunctions connect two equal elements in a sentence. Here are a few of the most important ones:
und (and): “Ich spiele Fußball und ich schwimme gern.” - “I play soccer and I like to swim.”
oder (or): “Möchtest du Tee oder Kaffee?” - “Do you want tea or coffee?
aber (but): “Ich mag Schokolade, aber ich esse sie nicht oft.” - “I like chocolate, but I don't eat it often.”
denn (since): “Ich gehe früh schlafen, denn ich bin müde.” - “I go to bed early, since I am tired.”

Subordinating conjunctions connect the main sentence to the adjective sentence. The adjective sentence usually explains something or adds details. Here are some examples:
weil (because): “Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es regnet.” - “I'm staying home because it's raining.”
dass (what): “Ich hoffe, dass du kommst.” - “I hope you'll come.”
obwohl (although): “Ich gehe spazieren, obwohl es kalt ist.” - “I'm going for a walk, though it's cold.”
wenn (if, when): “Wenn es morgen sonnig ist, gehen wir zum Strand.” - “If it's sunny tomorrow, we'll go to the beach.”
Double conjunctions make the connection between the elements of the sentence more expressive. They are often used to strengthen or clarify. Here are some examples:
sowohl ... als auch (as ... as well as): “Ich mag sowohl Pizza als auch Pasta.” - “I like both pizza and pasta.”
entweder ... oder (either ... or): “Entweder gehst du ins Kino oder du bleibst zu Hause.” - “Either you go to the movies or you stay home.”
weder ... noch (neither ... nor): “Ich mag weder Spinat noch Brokkoli.” - “I don't like spinach or broccoli.”
nicht nur ... sondern auch (not only ... but also): “Er ist nicht nur intelligent, sondern auch fleißig.” - “He is not only intelligent, but also hardworking.”

Los artículos en alemán pueden parecer complicados a quienes empiezan a aprender el idioma.

Let's now talk more about subordinating conjunctions. These are special conjunctions that link subordinate sentences to the main sentence. Subordinating conjunctions are important because they help us build complex sentences and express our thoughts accurately. Let's look at what subordinating conjunctions are and how to use them.
Let's see what subordinating conjunctions there are and how to use them correctly.
Basic subordinating conjunctions
weil (because)
This conjunction explains the reason or motive for an action. For example:
“Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es regnet.” - “I'm staying home because it's raining.” Here, “weil es regnet” explains why I am staying home.
dass (that).
The conjunction “dass” introduces adjectival sentences that clarify or add information to the main sentence. For example:
“Ich hoffe, dass du kommst.” - “I hope you will come.” Here, “dass du kommst” explains what I hope for.
obwohl (although).
This conjunction is used to indicate opposition or contrast. For example:
“Ich gehe spazieren, obwohl es kalt ist.” - “I go for a walk, even though it is cold.” Here “obwohl es kalt ist” shows the contrast between the action and the circumstance.
wenn (if, when).
The conjunction “wenn” can mean “if” (condition) or “when” (time). For example:
Condition: “Wenn es morgen sonnig ist, gehen wir zum Strand.” - “If it is sunny tomorrow, we will go to the beach.”
Time: “Wenn ich Zeit habe, besuche ich meine Großeltern.” - “When I have time, I visit my grandparents.”
Other important subordinating conjunctions
weil (since, because)
This conjunction also explains the reason, but it is often used in colloquial speech. For example:
“Ich bin müde, weil ich gestern spät ins Bett gegangen bin.” - “I am tired because I went to bed late last night.”
dass (what)
Used to specify exactly what has happened or will happen. For example:
“Es ist wichtig, dass du pünktlich bist.” - “It is important that you are punctual.”
obwohl (despite the fact that).
Shows the contrast between two parts of a sentence. For example:
“Er lernt fleißig, obwohl er müde ist.” - “He studies hard even though he is tired.”
wenn (if, when)
Used to indicate conditions or time. For example:
“Wenn du Hilfe brauchst, sag mir Bescheid.” - “If you need help, let me know.”
How to construct sentences with subordinating conjunctions
When you use a subordinating conjunction, remember that the verb in the adjectival sentence comes at the end. For example:
“Ich weiß, dass du mein Freund bist.” - “I know that you are my friend.” (the verb “bist” goes to the end of the adjective sentence)
Also, if the adjective sentence comes before the main sentence, the verb of the main sentence comes immediately after the adjective sentence. For example:
“Weil es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause.” - “Because it's raining, I'm staying home.” (the verb “bleibe” comes immediately after the adjective sentence)

Let's continue our journey into the world of the German language and talk about conjunctions. These conjunctions connect equal parts of the sentence, making our speech more coherent and expressive. Let's see what kind of conjunctions there are and how to use them correctly.
Basic conjunctions
und (and)
The union “und” connects two equal elements or actions. It is often used for enumeration. For example:
“Ich spiele Fußball und ich schwimme gern.” - “I play soccer and I like to swim.” Here “und” connects two actions that I like to do.
oder
The conjunction “oder” is used to choose between two options. For example:
“Möchtest du Tee oder Kaffee?” - “Do you want tea or coffee?” Here “oder” offers a choice between tea and coffee.
aber (but).
The conjunction “aber” introduces an opposition or contrast between two parts of a sentence. For example:
“Ich mag Schokolade, aber ich esse sie nicht oft.” - “I love chocolate, but I don't eat it very often.” Here “aber” contrasts the love of chocolate with the frequency of eating it.
denn (since, because)
The conjunction “denn” explains the reason or motive for an action. For example:
“Ich gehe früh schlafen, denn ich bin müde.” - “I go to bed early, since I am tired.” Here, “denn” explains the reason why I go to bed early.
Other important conjunctions
sondern (a, but)
The conjunction “sondern” is used to oppose after a negation in the main sentence. For example:
“Ich trinke keinen Kaffee, sondern Tee.” - “I don't drink coffee, I drink tea.” Here “sondern” contrasts the two drinks after the negation.
sowohl ... als auch (as ... so and).
This double conjunction emphasizes that both elements or actions are important and included. For example:
“Ich mag sowohl Pizza als auch Pasta.” - “I like both pizza and pasta.” Here “sowohl ... als auch” shows that I like both dishes.
entweder ... oder (either ... or)
This double conjunction is used to indicate a choice between two options. For example:
“Entweder gehst du ins Kino oder du bleibst zu Hause.” - “Either you go to the movies or you stay home.” Here “entweder ... oder” shows that there are two options and one must be chosen.
weder ... noch (neither ... nor).
This double conjunction negates both elements or actions. For example:
“Ich mag weder Spinat noch Brokkoli.” - “I don't like spinach or broccoli.” Here “weder ... noch” negates both vegetables.
How to construct sentences with conjunctions
When you use conjunctions, remember that they connect equal parts of a sentence and the word order is not changed. For example:
“Ich lerne Deutsch und meine Schwester lernt Englisch.” - “I am learning German and my sister is learning English.” (both actions are equal)
When using double conjunctions, the order also does not change, but it is important to arrange the parts of the conjunction correctly. For example:
“Entweder du kommst mit uns oder du bleibst hier.” - “Either you come with us or you stay here.” (both options are equal and you have to choose one)
Now you know more about conjunctions in German! These conjunctions will help you build long and interesting sentences, making your speech more expressive. Good luck in learning German!

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