Coordinating Conjunctions | Conjunctions | Parts Of Speech | German

Coordinating conjunctions (coordinating conjunctions) join equal elements like two clauses, two phrases, or two words. They show how the joined parts relate—whether by addition, contrast, cause, or choice.

Common Coordinating Conjunctions

The main coordinating conjunctions are und, oder, aber, denn, and sondern. Each one links elements in a specific way: addition, alternative, contrast, cause, or correction.

und (and)

Und connects two similar ideas, adding one thing to another. It joins words, phrases, or clauses without changing the word order.

Which of these sentences uses 'und' correctly to add information?

Ich gehe heute einkaufen und später koche ich.

Entweder wir gehen ins Kino und oder wir bleiben zu Hause.

Sie liest ein Buch und hört Musik.

Ich mag keinen Kaffee und trinke lieber Tee.

oder (or)

Oder presents an alternative or choice between two things. It can link single words, phrases, or whole clauses.

aber (but)

Aber introduces a contrast or exception. It joins two clauses and keeps the normal word order in the second clause.

denn (for / because)

Denn gives a reason or explanation and connects two main clauses. The word order stays regular with denn.

sondern (but rather)

Sondern corrects a previous negative statement and introduces an opposing idea. It only follows when the first part is negative.

Summary

Coordinating conjunctions join equal elements and signal relations like addition, choice, contrast, or cause. Learn the common ones—und, oder, aber, denn, and sondern—to connect your thoughts clearly.

Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025