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Konjunktionen (und, aber, oder, denn)
Conjunctions are words that connect sentences, clauses, or words. The four main coordinating conjunctions in German are: UND (and), ABER (but), ODER (or), and DENN (because/for). The great news? These conjunctions DON'T change the word order! Just connect two sentences and keep normal structure: Subject + Verb. Easy!
THE 4 COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS:
1. UND = and (addition) - Ich lerne Deutsch, und mein Bruder lernt Englisch. - (I learn German, and my brother learns English.)
2. ABER = but (contrast) - Ich bin müde, aber ich muss arbeiten. - (I'm tired, but I have to work.)
3. ODER = or (alternative) - Möchtest du Kaffee oder Tee? - (Would you like coffee or tea?)
4. DENN = because/for (reason) - Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn ich bin krank. - (I'm staying home because I'm sick.)
KEY RULE: Word order stays NORMAL: Subject + Verb + Rest No inversion! No changes! Just connect and continue.
Connects similar ideas or adds information. Most common conjunction!
Examples:
Shows contrast or contradiction between two ideas.
Examples:
Presents choices or alternatives between options.
Examples:
Gives a reason or explanation for something. Like English 'because' or 'for'.
Examples:
Use a comma BEFORE these conjunctions when connecting two complete clauses (with subjects and verbs).
Examples:
🇩🇪 Ich lerne Deutsch, und sie lernt Spanisch.
🇬🇧 I learn German, and she learns Spanish.
💡 UND connecting two complete clauses with comma
Context: Talking about language learning
🇩🇪 Das Wetter ist schön, aber kalt.
🇬🇧 The weather is nice but cold.
💡 ABER showing contrast between two adjectives (no comma - no second verb)
Context: Describing weather with contrast
🇩🇪 Möchtest du Wasser oder Saft?
🇬🇧 Would you like water or juice?
💡 ODER presenting two options (no comma - no complete clauses)
Context: Offering beverage choices
🇩🇪 Ich gehe früh ins Bett, denn ich bin sehr müde.
🇬🇧 I go to bed early because I'm very tired.
💡 DENN giving reason, comma before conjunction
Context: Explaining bedtime decision
🇩🇪 Er ist jung und intelligent.
🇬🇧 He is young and intelligent.
💡 UND connecting adjectives (no comma - no second clause)
Context: Describing someone's qualities
🇩🇪 Ich möchte helfen, aber ich kann nicht.
🇬🇧 I'd like to help, but I can't.
💡 ABER with modal verbs, showing regret/limitation
Context: Declining help politely
🇩🇪 Gehst du zu Fuß oder fährst du mit dem Bus?
🇬🇧 Are you walking or taking the bus?
💡 ODER in question with two different verbs
Context: Asking about transportation method
🇩🇪 Wir essen jetzt, denn wir haben Hunger.
🇬🇧 We're eating now because we're hungry.
💡 DENN explaining immediate action
Context: Stating reason for eating
🇩🇪 Ich spreche Englisch und Deutsch.
🇬🇧 I speak English and German.
💡 UND connecting nouns (languages), no comma
Context: Listing language skills
Remember: UND-ABER-ODER-DENN. Think: 'You Need Definite Basic German' (U-A-O-D = Und-Aber-Oder-Denn). Make your own mnemonic!
Unlike other conjunctions (weil, wenn - A2), these FOUR keep normal word order: Subject + Verb. Super easy! Just connect and go!
If you have TWO complete thoughts (subject + verb on BOTH sides), use a comma before the conjunction. No complete sentence? No comma!
ABER sounds like 'A-bur' which rhymes with English 'BUT-er'! Easy connection to remember the meaning.
At A1, use DENN for 'because' - it's easier (no word order change). WEIL is A2 and changes word order. Stick with DENN for now!
Changing word order after these conjunctions
'Ich bin müde, aber muss ich arbeiten' is WRONG. Correct: 'aber ich muss arbeiten.' Subject (ich) comes BEFORE verb (muss) - normal order!
Forgetting comma with complete clauses
'Ich lerne Deutsch und er lernt Englisch' needs a comma: 'Ich lerne Deutsch, und er lernt Englisch.' Two complete clauses = comma!
Using comma when connecting just words
'Er ist jung, und intelligent' is wrong. No comma needed for just adjectives: 'Er ist jung und intelligent.' Only use comma with full clauses!
Confusing 'denn' and 'dann'
'Ich bleibe zu Hause, dann ich bin krank' is wrong. DANN = then (time). DENN = because (reason). Correct: 'denn ich bin krank.'
Using 'aber' at the beginning of a sentence without context
Starting with 'Aber...' in formal writing is sometimes considered less elegant. In speech it's fine! 'Aber ich bin müde!' (But I'm tired!)
Ich trinke Kaffee, und mein Freund trinkt Tee.
I drink coffee, and my friend drinks tea.
📚 Complete clause + und (comma) + complete clause (normal word order: subject + verb)
Das Essen ist lecker, aber teuer.
The food is delicious but expensive.
📚 Single subject + zwei adjectives, no second clause → no comma before 'aber'
Kommst du mit, oder bleibst du hier?
Are you coming along, or are you staying here?
📚 Question + oder (comma) + second question (full clauses)
Ich lerne viel, denn die Prüfung ist morgen.
I'm studying a lot because the exam is tomorrow.
📚 Clause 1 (action) + denn (comma) + clause 2 (reason)
Sie ist müde, aber sie kann nicht schlafen.
She's tired, but she can't sleep.
📚 Clause 1 + aber (comma) + clause 2 with modal verb
Wir gehen spazieren oder joggen im Park.
We go for a walk or jog in the park.
📚 Two activities (verbs/nouns) connected, same subject → no comma
Ich bin glücklich, denn ich habe eine neue Wohnung.
I'm happy because I have a new apartment.
📚 Emotion (clause 1) + denn (comma) + explanation (clause 2)