Coordinating Vs Subordinating Conjunctions

Level 2

German uses two types of connectors: Coordinating (ADUSO) which keep the verb in position 2, and Subordinating (weil, dass, wenn) which push the verb to the very end of the clause.

How It Works

In German, conjunctions are divided into two categories based on how they affect word order.

1. Coordinating Conjunctions (ADUSO)
These connect two main clauses. The acronym ADUSO helps you remember the most common ones: Aber (but), Denn (because), Und (and), Sondern (but rather), and Oder (or). These occupy 'Position 0', meaning the following clause follows standard V2 word order where the verb remains in Position 2. While the subject often takes Position 1, other elements like adverbs can also occupy that spot.
Example: Ich bin müde, aber heute arbeite ich.

2. Subordinating Conjunctions
These introduce a dependent clause. Common examples include weil (because), dass (that), and wenn (if/when). These trigger verb-final word order.
Example: Ich arbeite, weil ich Geld brauche.

3. Important Usage Rules
• Comma Rules: Commas are strictly mandatory before aber, denn, and sondern. For und and oder, commas are omitted when connecting words or phrases, and are optional when connecting two full main clauses.
• Sondern: This conjunction can only be used after a negative statement (using nicht or kein) to correct or replace the previous information. Example: Ich trinke keinen Tee, sondern Kaffee.
• Denn vs. Weil: Both mean 'because'. Denn is a coordinator (V2 order) and cannot start a sentence. Weil is a subordinator (verb-final) and is more common in spoken German.

Examples (5)

  1. Ich trinke Tee, aber er trinkt Kaffee.

    I am drinking tea, but he is drinking coffee.

    Word by Word: I drink tea, but he drinks coffee.

    'Aber' is a coordinating conjunction. The verb 'trinkt' stays in the second position of its clause.

  2. Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es regnet.

    I am staying at home because it is raining.

    Word by Word: I stay at home, because it rains.

    'Weil' is a subordinating conjunction. The verb 'regnet' moves to the very end.

  3. Er kommt nicht, denn er ist krank.

    He isn't coming because he is sick.

    Word by Word: He comes not, because he is sick.

    'Denn' is a coordinating conjunction (Position 0). The verb 'ist' remains in Position 2.

  4. Wenn ich Zeit habe, lese ich ein Buch.

    If I have time, I read a book.

    Word by Word: If I time have, read I a book.

    When a subordinating clause (Wenn...) comes first, the main clause must start with the verb (lese) due to V2 rules.

  5. Ich weiß, dass du Deutsch lernst.

    I know that you are learning German.

    Word by Word: I know, that you German learn.

    'Dass' is a subordinating conjunction, pushing 'lernst' to the end.

Common Mistakes

  • Using verb-final order after a coordinating conjunction like 'denn'.

    Ich esse, denn ich Hunger habe.
    Ich esse, denn ich habe Hunger.

    'Denn' is a coordinator. It does not change the word order; the verb must stay in the second position.

  • Using English word order (V2) after 'weil' in formal writing.

    Ich lerne, weil ich will eine gute Note.
    Ich lerne, weil ich eine gute Note will.

    In standard German, 'weil' always requires the conjugated verb to be at the end of the clause.

  • Forgetting the comma before the conjunction.

    Ich gehe ins Bett weil ich müde bin.
    Ich gehe ins Bett, weil ich müde bin.

    German is very strict about using commas to separate main clauses from subordinate clauses.

How It Connects

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Coordinating Vs Subordinating ConjunctionsLevel 2

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