sodass

So That (Sodass)

Level 3

Use sodass (so that / with the result that) to connect a cause to its factual result. It requires a comma and moves the verb to the end of the clause.

How It Works

The conjunction sodass (also written as so dass) is used to express a consecutive relationship—meaning it describes the result of an action.

1. Word Order and Sentence Position:
Because it is a subordinating conjunction, the finite verb must move to the very end of the clause. This follows the standard verb-final rule. Crucially, unlike other conjunctions, the 'sodass' clause cannot start a sentence; the main clause (the cause) must always come first.

2. The Split Construction (so... dass):
You can split the word to emphasize an adjective or adverb. In this case, so stays in the main clause, and dass starts the subordinate clause. For even stronger emphasis, you can replace so with dermaßen or derart.
Example: Die Musik war dermaßen laut, dass ich Kopfschmerzen bekam.

3. Nuance: Joined vs. Split:

  • sodass (joined): Emphasizes the result or consequence itself.
  • so... dass (split): Emphasizes the intensity or degree of the adjective/adverb that caused the result.

4. Punctuation:
A comma is mandatory before sodass (or dass in the split version) to separate the main clause from the subordinate clause.

5. Meaning vs. Intention:
Learners often confuse sodass with um...zu or damit.

  • sodass: The result actually happened (Fact).
  • damit: The result is desired or intended (Goal).

Examples (5)

  1. Es hat stark geregnet, sodass wir nass wurden.

    It rained heavily, so that we got wet.

    Word by Word: It has strongly rained, so-that we wet became.

    The rain is the cause, and getting wet is the factual result. Note the verb 'wurden' at the end.

  2. Der Bus hatte Verspätung, sodass ich zu spät kam.

    The bus was late, with the result that I arrived late.

    Word by Word: The bus had delay, so-that I to late came.

    A classic cause-and-effect sentence using 'sodass' to link the delay to the consequence.

  3. Der Film war so langweilig, dass ich eingeschlafen bin.

    The movie was so boring that I fell asleep.

    Word by Word: The movie was so boring, that I in-slept am.

    This split construction emphasizes the intensity of the boredom. 'So' intensifies the adjective, while 'dass' introduces the result.

  4. Die Musik war dermaßen laut, dass die Wände wackelten.

    The music was so incredibly loud that the walls shook.

    Word by Word: The music was so-much loud, that the walls shook.

    Here, 'dermaßen' is used instead of 'so' to provide even stronger emphasis on the intensity of the volume.

  5. Sie hat viel geübt, sodass sie jetzt fließend spricht.

    She practiced a lot, so that she speaks fluently now.

    Word by Word: She has much practiced, so-that she now fluently speaks.

    The joined form 'sodass' focuses on the consequence (speaking fluently) rather than the intensity of the practice.

Common Mistakes

  • Placing the 'sodass' clause at the beginning of the sentence.

    Sodass wir zu Hause blieben, war es kalt.
    Es war kalt, sodass wir zu Hause blieben.

    Unlike other subordinating conjunctions like 'weil' or 'wenn', a 'sodass' clause cannot be moved to the front of the sentence. The main clause (the cause) must always come first.

  • Using 'sodass' with the wrong word order (Verb-Second).

    Es war kalt, sodass wir blieben zu Hause.
    Es war kalt, sodass wir zu Hause blieben.

    As a subordinating conjunction, 'sodass' requires the verb to be at the very end of the clause.

  • Confusing 'sodass' (result) with 'damit' (purpose).

    Ich lerne Deutsch, sodass ich in Berlin arbeiten kann.
    Ich lerne Deutsch, damit ich in Berlin arbeiten kann.

    If you are describing a goal or intention for the future, use 'damit'. Use 'sodass' for results that have already occurred or are inevitable facts.

How It Connects

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sodassLevel 3So That (Sodass)

Learn This First

To use 'sodass' correctly, you must be comfortable with German subordinate clause structure, where the verb moves to the final position. It is also helpful to understand how 'sodass' differs from coordinating conjunctions like 'denn' or 'und' in terms of word order.

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sodass