Subordinating conjunctions (German: Subjunktionen) are words that connect a dependent clause (Nebensatz) to a main clause (Hauptsatz), making the former dependent on the latter. They introduce a reason, condition, time, cause, or contrast, among others, and crucially, they change the word order in the dependent clause by sending the finite verb to the end.
- Make one clause dependent and cannot stand alone.
- The conjugated verb moves to the end of the dependent clause.
- Common subordinating conjunctions include: weil (because), dass (that), wenn (if/when), ob (whether), bevor (before), nachdem (after), obwohl (although).
The finite verb moves to the end of the dependent clause.
Examples in Context
- Weil ich müde bin, gehe ich früh ins Bett.
(Because I am tired, I go to bed early.)
← Weil introduces the reason; bin (am) goes to the end in the dependent clause.
- Er sagt, dass er kommt.
(He says that he is coming.)
← Dass introduces the content of what is said; kommt moves to the end.
- Wenn es regnet, bleiben wir zu Hause.
(If it rains, we stay home.)
← Wenn sets the condition; regnet goes to the end of the subordinate clause.
- Ich weiß nicht, ob er kommt.
(I don’t know if he is coming.)
← Ob introduces an indirect yes/no question; kommt at the end.
- Obwohl er krank ist, geht er zur Arbeit.
(Although he is sick, he goes to work.)
← Obwohl expresses contrast; ist is placed at the end of the subordinate clause.
'aber' is a coordinating conjunction, not subordinating.
Subordinating Conjunctions List
| German | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| weil | because | Ich bleibe, weil es regnet. |
| dass | that | Er sagt, dass... |
| wenn | if/when | Wenn ich Zeit habe... |
| ob | whether/if | Ich weiß nicht, ob... |
| bevor | before | Bevor du gehst... |
| nachdem | after | Nachdem wir gegessen haben... |
| obwohl | although | Obwohl er müde ist... |
| solange | as long as | Solange du lernst... |
| sobald | as soon as | Sobald er ankommt... |
| bis | until | Warte, bis ich fertig bin... |
Typical subordinating conjunctions include weil, dass, wenn, ob, obwohl.
Word Order: Main Clause vs. Subordinate Clause
| Clause Type | Position of Conjugated Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Main Clause | 2nd position | Ich gehe(bin) müde. |
| Subordinate Clause | Final position | ...weil ich müde bin. |
- In a main clause, the verb is always the second element.
- In a subordinate clause (introduced by a subordinating conjunction), the verb goes to the end.
The verb moves to the end of the subordinate clause.
Exercises
- Identify the subordinating conjunctions and explain the word order in these sentences:
- Wir bleiben zu Hause, weil es regnet.
- Er glaubt, dass du recht hast.
- Convert a two-clause sentence into one with a subordinating conjunction (weil, dass, wenn).
- List five German subordinating conjunctions and their English meanings.
Conclusion
German subordinating conjunctions link dependent and main clauses, causing the verb in the subordinate clause to move to the end.
- They express reasons, conditions, contrasts, and more.
- Common examples: weil, dass, wenn, ob, obwohl.
- Mastering them is key to understanding and forming complex German sentences.