nachdem

After (Nachdem)

Level 3

nachdem = 'after' (conjunction).
It links two actions where one is completed before the next starts. It moves the verb to the end of its clause.

How It Works

The conjunction nachdem is used to express Vorzeitigkeit (anteriority). This means the event in the nachdem clause happened first.

1. Word Order and Punctuation:
As a subordinating conjunction, nachdem triggers subordinate clause word order, meaning the conjugated verb goes to the very end. A comma is mandatory to separate the nachdem clause from the main clause. If the nachdem clause comes first, the main clause must follow V2 inversion (the verb comes immediately after the comma).

2. The Tense Rules (Zeitenfolge):
To emphasize that the first action is finished, German requires a specific tense relationship regardless of whether the verb is weak, strong, or uses haben or sein:

3. Register and Causal Use:
In formal writing, these tense rules are mandatory. In casual speech, they are often relaxed. Additionally, nachdem can occasionally have a causal meaning (similar to 'since' or 'because'), in which case the strict tense rules are usually not applied.

Examples (4)

  1. Nachdem er die Hausaufgaben gemacht hatte, ging er ins Kino.

    After he had done the homework, he went to the cinema.

    Word by Word: After he the homework done had, went he into the cinema.

    Past context: The 'after' clause uses Plusquamperfekt (hatte gemacht) because the main clause is in Präteritum (ging).

  2. Nachdem ich gegessen habe, spüle ich das Geschirr.

    After I have eaten, I will wash the dishes.

    Word by Word: After I eaten have, wash I the dishes.

    Present/Future context: The 'after' clause uses Perfekt (habe gegessen) because the main action is in the Präsens (spüle).

  3. Wir diskutierten über den Film, nachdem wir ihn gesehen hatten.

    We discussed the film after we had seen it.

    Word by Word: We discussed about the film, after we it seen had.

    The 'nachdem' clause can also come second. The verb 'hatten' still moves to the end of its own clause.

  4. Nachdem sie geduscht hat, fühlt sie sich besser.

    After she has showered, she feels better.

    Word by Word: After she showered has, feels she herself better.

    A present-tense sequence showing a completed action leading to a current state.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the same tense in both clauses (English-style).

    Nachdem ich aß, ging ich nach Hause.
    Nachdem ich gegessen hatte, ging ich nach Hause.

    In formal German, you cannot use two simple past verbs. The action that happened first must be 'pushed back' into the Past Perfect (Plusquamperfekt).

  • Confusing the conjunction 'nachdem' with the preposition 'nach'.

    Nachdem das Essen gingen wir weg.
    Nach dem Essen gingen wir weg.

    'Nach' is a preposition used with nouns. 'Nachdem' is a conjunction that must introduce a full clause with a subject and a verb at the end.

  • Incorrect word order in the main clause after a 'nachdem' clause.

    Nachdem ich gegessen hatte, ich ging weg.
    Nachdem ich gegessen hatte, ging ich weg.

    When the 'nachdem' clause comes first, it occupies 'Position 1'. Therefore, the verb of the main clause must come immediately after the comma (Position 2).

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

nachdemLevel 3After (Nachdem)

Learn This First

To use 'nachdem' correctly, you must understand how to structure subordinate clauses with the verb at the end. Additionally, since 'nachdem' describes an action that happened before another, you need to be familiar with compound tenses (Perfekt and Plusquamperfekt) and their auxiliary verbs (haben/sein).

Words in This Pattern