dass
That (Dass)
The conjunction dass (that) connects a main clause to a subordinate clause that provides essential information. It is used after verbs of thinking, saying, or feeling.
How It Works
The word dass is a fundamental tool for building complex sentences. It functions as a 'content clause' (Inhaltssatz), which can act as either the object or the subject of the main sentence.
1. Word Order:
When you use dass, the conjugated verb typically moves to the final position. If there is a modal verb or an auxiliary verb, it goes after the infinitive or participle.
Exception: In a double infinitive construction, the conjugated verb (usually haben) moves to just before the two infinitives (e.g., ...dass er hat kommen müssen).
2. Subject Placement:
If the subject is a personal pronoun, it must follow dass immediately. If the subject is a noun, other elements like adverbs can occasionally come first for emphasis.
Example: Ich weiß, dass er heute kommt. (Pronoun)
Example: Ich weiß, dass heute der Mann kommt. (Noun)
3. Subject vs. Object Clauses:
A dass-clause can be the object (Ich sehe, dass...) or the subject (Dass er kommt, freut mich.).
4. Omitting 'dass':
In spoken German, you can sometimes omit dass after verbs of thinking or saying. If you do, the word order reverts to the standard Verb-Second (V2) structure.
Example: Ich glaube, er ist müde.
5. Punctuation and Spelling:
A comma is mandatory before dass. Do not confuse it with the article or relative pronoun das. If you can replace the word with 'dieses' (this) or 'welches' (which), use das; otherwise, use dass.
Examples (6)
- Ich glaube, dass er Recht hat.
I believe that he is right.
Word by Word: I believe, that he right has.
The verb 'hat' moves to the end because of the conjunction 'dass'.
- Es ist wichtig, dass du pünktlich bist.
It is important that you are on time.
Word by Word: It is important, that you punctual are.
Here, 'dass' introduces a clause following an impersonal expression ('Es ist wichtig').
- Dass er heute nicht kommen kann, ist schade.
That he cannot come today is a pity.
Word by Word: That he today not come can, is pity.
In this case, the 'dass' clause acts as the subject of the sentence. Note how the modal verb 'kann' moves to the very end.
- Ich weiß, dass heute die Sonne scheint.
I know that the sun is shining today.
Word by Word: I know, that today the sun shines.
While the subject usually follows 'dass', other elements like the adverb 'heute' can sometimes come first.
- Sie sagt, dass sie keine Zeit hat.
She says that she has no time.
Word by Word: She says, that she no time has.
A classic use of 'dass' after a verb of speaking ('sagen').
- Ich glaube, er hat Recht.
I believe he is right.
Word by Word: I believe, he has right.
If you omit 'dass', the sentence uses standard word order with the verb in the second position.
Common Mistakes
Using 'das' (one 's') instead of 'dass' (two 's's).
Ich hoffe, das er kommt.Ich hoffe, dass er kommt.Use 'dass' with two 's's when it is a conjunction connecting two clauses. 'Das' with one 's' is an article or a pronoun.
Keeping the verb in the second position.
Ich weiß, dass er ist hier.Ich weiß, dass er hier ist.In a 'dass' clause, the conjugated verb usually moves to the end of the clause.
Using 'dass' for indirect questions.
Ich weiß nicht, dass er kommt.Ich weiß nicht, ob er kommt.If you are expressing uncertainty (I don't know if...), use ob instead of 'dass'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'dass' correctly, you need to understand how German subordinate clauses work. Unlike main clauses where the verb is in the second position, 'dass' pushes the conjugated verb to the very end of the sentence. You should already be comfortable with basic verb conjugation and the concept of dependent clauses.
Related Patterns
- Verb-Final In Subordinate Clauses
This explains the general rule for moving verbs to the end in clauses starting with words like 'dass'.
Level 2 - obWhether (Ob)
While 'dass' is for facts/beliefs, 'ob' is used for 'if/whether' in uncertain situations.
Level 2 - dasDefinite Article (Neuter Nominative)
The neuter article/pronoun often confused with the conjunction 'dass'.
Level 1 - wissen / kennenWissen vs. Kennen
The verb 'wissen' (to know a fact) is one of the most common verbs used with 'dass' clauses.
Level 2
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Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice dass in Bubblegum
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