A2 · GRAMMAR

Conjunctions: aber, denn, deshalb, trotzdem

When connecting two sentences in German, there are two types of connectors. The first group (und, aber, oder, denn, sondern) sits in the 'zero' position outside the clause; word order does not change. The second group (deshalb, trotzdem, dann, danach) takes the 1st position of the clause; therefore, the verb comes immediately after it, and the subject goes right behind the verb.

In this lesson

1. Order does not change (position 0)

und, aber, oder, denn, sondern.

Ich bin müde, aber ich arbeite.

I am tired, but I am working.

2. denn = because

Expresses a reason; word order remains normal.

Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn ich bin krank.

I am staying home because I am sick.

3. Order changes (position 1)

deshalb, deswegen, trotzdem, dann, danach → verb follows immediately.

Ich bin krank, deshalb bleibe ich zu Hause.

I am sick, therefore I am staying home.

4. trotzdem

'Nevertheless' / 'Despite that'.

Es regnet. Trotzdem gehen wir spazieren.

It is raining. Nevertheless, we are going for a walk.

5. sondern

'Instead' / 'but rather' after a negative statement.

Nicht heute, sondern morgen.

Not today, but tomorrow.

💡 Memory word: ADUSO (aber, denn, und, sondern, oder) does not change word order. The remaining connectors take the 1st position, and the verb follows immediately.