KonnektorenConnectors are linking words that connect sentences or parts of sentences and indicate their relationship (reason, contrast, time, consequence). Each type of connector affects word order differently.
Level: B1
What types of connectors are there?
There are three main groups. You need to distinguish between them because each group affects word order differently:
- Konjunktionen (and, or, but, because, rather): connect two main clauses, the verb remains in position 2.
- Subjunktionen (because, that, if, although): introduce a subordinate clause; the verb comes at the end.
- Konjunktionaladverbien (therefore, nevertheless, afterwards, so): these often appear at the beginning of a sentence, followed directly by the verb.
Word order after connectors
View the same content using three different connectors:
- denn (Conjunction): Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn ich bin krank.
- weil (Subjunction): Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin.
- deshalb (Conjunctive adverb): Ich bin krank, deshalb bleibe ich zu Hause.
Pay close attention to where the verb is placed. That's the most important difference.
Connectors sorted by meaning
You can also sort connectors according to their meaning:
- Reason: because, since, for, therefore, that's why
- Contrast: but, although, nevertheless
- Consequence: so that, therefore,
- Time: when, after, then
- Condition: if
This way you can find the right word for every relationship.
examples
| Example | Declaration |
|---|---|
| Es ist spät, deshalb gehe ich jetzt schlafen. | The conjunctive adverb is therefore, followed directly by the verb go. |
| Ich möchte kommen, aber ich habe keine Zeit. | However, the conjunction "habe" means the verb "habe" remains in position 2. |
| Da der Laden schon zu war, sind wir nach Hause gegangen. | The subordinating conjunction is there, the verb "war" is at the end of the subordinate clause. |
| Wir haben gegessen, danach sind wir spazieren gegangen. | The conjunctive adverb "nachdem" (afterwards) is at the beginning of the sentence; the verb "sin" (are) follows directly. |
| Er lernt viel, sodass er die Prüfung besteht. | The sequence shows that the verb "exists" is at the end. |
Frequently asked questions
What are connectors in German?
Connectors are linking words that connect sentences or parts of sentences and indicate their relationship, for example, reason, contrast, or time. These include conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and conjunctive adverbials.
How do connectors affect word order?
After conjunctions (and, but, because), the verb remains in position 2. After subordinating conjunctions (because, that), the verb moves to the end. After conjunctive adverbials (therefore, nevertheless), the verb follows directly.
Is that why it's a connector?
Yes, that's why it's a conjunctive adverb and therefore a connector. When it's at the beginning of a sentence, the conjugated verb comes directly after it.
You will learn this term in the German course B1 from Deutsch1, with explanatory videos, exercises and feedback.
Related terms
Conjunctions , subordinating conjunctions , conjunctive adverbs , sentence connectors
Comprehensive guide: Conjunctions in German: Overview with examples