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In our previous post German conjunctions, we covered coordinating conjunctions—those simple words that connect clauses without altering the word order. Now, let’s focus on 10 essential subordinating conjunctions in German that every language learner should know, which are equally important for expressing cause and effect, time, contrast, and more. These conjunctions, however, come with a twist: they affect the word order in German sentences.

This post will also introduce you to 10 of the most useful subordinating conjunctions in German, with examples to help you see how they work in practice.

What Are Subordinating Conjunctions in German?

Subordinating conjunctions, or Unterordnende Konjunktionen, are used to introduce a dependent (subordinate) clause—one that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. This clause is connected to the main clause, creating a full sentence. Unlike coordinating conjunctions, subordinating ones push the verb to the end of the subordinate clause, which can feel tricky for learners at first.

Why Are They Tricky?

The main challenge with subordinating conjunctions is getting used to the word order change. In German, when you use a subordinating conjunction, the verb in the dependent clause moves to the end. This is different from English, but with practice, it will soon feel natural.

10 Must-Know Subordinating Conjunctions in German

Let’s break down some of the most frequently used subordinating conjunctions, with examples to guide you through their usage.

1. weil / da (because)

One of the most common subordinating conjunctions in German is ‘weil,’ meaning ‘because.’ You’ll frequently use this when explaining reasons in German sentences.Weil is more common in spoken language, while da is slightly more formal.

• Example 1: Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich müde bin.
  (I’m staying home because I’m tired.)
• Example 2: Da es regnet, gehen wir nicht spazieren.
  (Since it’s raining, we’re not going for a walk.)

2. dass (that)

Dass introduces a subordinate clause to express feelings, opinions, judgments, thoughts, knowledge, or indirect speech.

• Example: Ich hoffe, dass du bald kommst.
  (I hope that you come soon.)

3. obwohl (although)

Obwohl is used to express contrast or contradiction.

• Example: Obwohl es kalt ist, gehen wir schwimmen.
  (Although it’s cold, we’re going swimming.)

4. wenn (if/when)

Wenn can mean “if” for conditions or “when” for repeated events or general situations.

• Emple 1: Wenn es regnet, bleiben wir zu Hause.
  (If it rains, we stay home.)
• Exmple 2: Wenn er kocht, hört er immer Musik.
  (When he cooks, he always listens to music.)          

5. als (when/as)

Als is used for one-time events in the past.

• Example: Als ich ein Kind war, lebten wir in Berlin.
  (When I was a child, we lived in Berlin.)

6. bevor (before)

Bevor indicates that something happens before another action.

• Example: Ich esse, bevor ich zur Arbeit gehe.
  (I eat before I go to work.)

7. während (while)

Während can express that two actions happen simultaneously or contrast two ideas.

• Example 1: Während ich esse, lese ich ein Buch.
  (While I eat, I read a book.)
• Example 2: Er ist reich, während sie arm ist.
  (He is rich, while she is poor.)

8. solange (as long as)

Solange expresses duration, meaning “as long as.”

• Example: Solange du hier bist, fühle ich mich sicher.
  (As long as you’re here, I feel safe.)

9. damit (so that)

Damit is used to express purpose or intention.

• Example: Ich lerne Deutsch, damit ich in Deutschland arbeiten kann.
  (I’m learning German so that I can work in Germany.)

10. bis (until)

Bis indicates that an action will continue up to a certain point.

• Example: Warte, bis ich zurückkomme.
  (Wait until I come back.)

Key Differences Between Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions

Now, let’s recall the coordinating conjunctions, and quickly review the key differences between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.

• Coordinating Conjunctions: These do not change the word order; the verb stays in its usual position.
  • Example: Ich gehe ins Kino und er geht ins Theater.
    (I’m going to the cinema, and he’s going to the theater.)
• Subordinating Conjunctions: These change the word order by moving the verb to the end of the subordinate clause.
  • Example: Ich gehe ins Kino, weil ich Zeit habe.
    (I’m going to the cinema because I have time.)

How to Identify Conjunction Types

A simple trick to distinguish between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions is to observe the word order. If the verb stays in its original position, you’re dealing with a coordinating conjunction. If the verb moves to the end, it’s subordinating.

Common Mistakes When Using Subordinating Conjunctions

Even advanced learners can get tripped up by subordinating conjunctions. So, don’t worry! Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Confusing wenn and als

• Use wenn for repeated events in the past or present, and als for one-time events in the past.
  • Example: Wenn ich in Berlin bin, besuche ich das Museum.
    (When I’m in Berlin, I visit the museum.)
  • Example: Als ich in Berlin war, besuchte ich das Museum.
    (When I was in Berlin, I visited the museum.)

2. Misplacing the Verb

• Be careful, with subordinating conjunctions, the verb always moves to the end of the clause.
  • Wrong: Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich bin müde.
  • Correct: Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich müde bin.

Conclusion

Subordinating conjunctions are an essential tool for expressing complex ideas in German, from cause and effect to time and contrast. While the word order shift may seem challenging at first, with practice, you’ll soon get used to it!

Also, don’t forget to Check out our guide on coordinating conjunctions for a complete understanding of how they differ from subordinating conjunctions in German.