Coordinating conjunctions in German are words that connect phrases, clauses, or words of equal grammatical rank without changing the word order. They are essential in joining ideas smoothly and clearly in sentences. Unlike subordinating conjunctions, coordinating conjunctions do not send the verb to the end of the clause in German.
Common Coordinating Conjunctions
Common coordinating conjunctions include und (and), oder (or), aber (but), denn (because/for), and sondern (but rather). Each has its specific use in linking parts of a sentence and is vital for expressing relationships between ideas without altering sentence structure.
Usage and Sentence Structure
When using coordinating conjunctions in German, the word order remains the same as in main clauses: the verb stays in the second position. The conjunction directly connects the two elements it joins without a comma, except in some special cases like with aber or sondern where commas are used to separate the clauses.
Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions
- und: Ich mag Kaffee und Tee. (I like coffee and tea.)
- oder: Willst du Wasser oder Saft? (Do you want water or juice?)
- aber: Er ist müde, aber glücklich. (He is tired but happy.)
- denn: Ich gehe ins Bett, denn ich bin müde. (I’m going to bed because I am tired.)
- sondern: Ich trinke keinen Kaffee, sondern Tee. (I don’t drink coffee but rather tea.)
Effect on Word Order
Coordinating conjunctions do not affect the position of the verb in the sentence, which contrasts with subordinating conjunctions that push the conjugated verb to the end. This is important to remember so that sentences remain grammatically correct and clear.
Summary of Coordinating Conjunctions
| German Conjunction | English Meaning | Use Case | Verbal Position Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| und | and | Connects similar items or ideas | No change, verb remains second |
| oder | or | Presents alternatives | No change |
| aber | but | Introduces contrast | No change |
| denn | because/for | Gives reason | No change |
| sondern | but rather | Contrasts after negation | No change |
Using coordinating conjunctions correctly allows for fluent and natural-sounding German sentences.
