Konjunktionalsätze (Subordinate Clauses with Conjunctions)
A Konjunktionalsatz is a subordinate clause that starts with a subordinating conjunction such as weil, obwohl or bevor. The conjugated verb goes to the end. If the clause comes first, the main clause starts with its verb; see subordinate clauses. This page groups the conjunctions by meaning; the word order is explained under conjunctions.
Conjunctions by meaning
| Meaning | Conjunctions |
|---|---|
| time | als (when, once in the past), wenn (when, whenever), bevor (before), nachdem (after), während (while), seit / seitdem (since), bis (until), sobald (as soon as), solange (as long as) |
| reason | weil (because), da (as, since) |
| condition | wenn (if), falls (if, in the event that), sofern (provided that) |
| contrast | obwohl, obgleich (although), während, wohingegen (whereas) |
| purpose | damit (so that = in order that) |
| result | sodass, so … dass (so that = with the result that) |
| manner | indem (by …-ing), dadurch dass (by …-ing), ohne dass (without …-ing) |
| comparison | als ob (as if), wie (as), je … desto (the … the) |
Examples
Bevor ich in den Bus einstieg, kaufte ich eine Fahrkarte.Before I got on the bus, I bought a ticket.
Ich kaufte eine Fahrkarte, bevor ich in den Bus einstieg.I bought a ticket before I got on the bus.
Obwohl er krank war, ging er in die Schule.Although he was ill, he went to school.
Sobald ich Zeit habe, rufe ich dich an.As soon as I have time, I'll call you.
Ich lerne Wörter, indem ich sie auf Karten schreibe.I learn words by writing them on cards.
Er tut so, als ob er nichts gehört hätte.He's acting as if he hadn't heard anything.
After als ob the verb is usually in the Konjunktiv II.
Common mistake
Ich lerne Vokabeln durch sie aufschreiben. is wrong; correct: Ich lerne Vokabeln, indem ich sie aufschreibe.
English uses by + -ing. German has no -ing form after a preposition; a common way is a clause with indem and the verb at the end.
Common mistake
Seit es regnet, nehmen wir den Bus. (meaning: because) is wrong; correct: Da es regnet, nehmen wir den Bus.
English since can mean because. German seit is only about time; for a reason, use da or weil.
Common mistake
Während ich koche, ich höre Musik. is wrong; correct: Während ich koche, höre ich Musik.
The subordinate clause counts as the first element, so the main clause must start with its verb.
Check yourself
Written by: Fatih Ün, German teacher · Last updated: