What is the difference between 'weil' and 'wenn'?

Weil is used to express a reason or cause. For example, "Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es regnet." (I stay at home because it’s raining.) Wenn, on the other hand, is used to express conditions or time-related conditions. For example, "Wir gehen spazieren, wenn das Wetter schön ist." (We go for a walk if the weather is nice.)

Mastering Subordinating Conjunctions in German: A Comprehensive Guide

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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Welcome to the Learn Languages Store blog! In this lesson, we will dive into an essential topic in German grammar: subordinating conjunctions. Understanding these conjunctions is vital for forming complex sentences and expressing more nuanced ideas in German. By the end of this guide, you will be familiar with the most common subordinating conjunctions and how to use them effectively.

What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?

Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. They introduce the dependent clause and show the relationship between the two clauses. Some of the most common subordinating conjunctions in German include:

dass – that
weil – because
wenn – if/when

Understanding how to use these conjunctions correctly will significantly enhance your fluency in German.

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Example Sentences for Each Conjunction

1. dass (that)

Example Sentences:

Sentence: Ich weiß, dass du kommst.
Translation: I know that you are coming.
Pronunciation: इच वाइस, डास डू कोम्म्स
Sentence: Sie sagt, dass es regnet.
Translation: She says that it is raining.
Pronunciation: ज़ी ज़ाग्ट, डास एस रेग्नेट
Sentence: Er glaubt, dass sie die Wahrheit sagt.
Translation: He believes that she is telling the truth.
Pronunciation: एयर ग्लाउब्ट, डास ज़ी दी वारहाइट ज़ाग्ट
Sentence: Ich hoffe, dass du bald anrufst.
Translation: I hope that you call soon.
Pronunciation: इच होफे, डास डू बाल्ड अनरूफ्स्ट
Sentence: Wir wissen, dass das Wetter schön ist.
Translation: We know that the weather is nice.
Pronunciation: वीर विस्सेन, डास दास वेदर श्यून इस्ट

2. weil (because)

Example Sentences:

Sentence: Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es regnet.
Translation: I stay at home because it is raining.
Pronunciation: इच ब्लाइबे त्सु हाउसे, वाइल एस रेग्नेट
Sentence: Sie lernt Deutsch, weil sie in Deutschland leben möchte.
Translation: She is learning German because she wants to live in Germany.
Pronunciation: ज़ी लर्न्ट डोइच, वाइल ज़ी इन डॉयच्लैंड लेबेन म्योक्टे
Sentence: Er isst, weil er Hunger hat.
Translation: He eats because he is hungry.
Pronunciation: एयर इस्ट, वाइल एयर हंगर हाट
Sentence: Wir gehen früh schlafen, weil wir morgen früh aufstehen müssen.
Translation: We go to bed early because we have to get up early tomorrow.
Pronunciation: वीर गेहेन फ्रूइ स्लीफेन, वाइल वीर मॉर्गन फ्रूइ औफश्टेहेन म्यूस्सेन
Sentence: Ich kaufe das Buch, weil es interessant ist.
Translation: I buy the book because it is interesting.
Pronunciation: इच काउफे दास बुख, वाइल एस इंटरेस्संट इस्ट

What are subordinating conjunctions in German?

Subordinating conjunctions are words that introduce subordinate clauses and show the relationship between the main clause and the subordinate clause. They often indicate time, reason, condition, or contrast. Common subordinating conjunctions include:
weil (because)
dass (that)
wenn (if/when)
obwohl (although)
bevor (before)
nachdem (after)
während (while)
seitdem (since)

How do subordinating conjunctions affect word order in a sentence?

When using a subordinating conjunction, the verb in the subordinate clause moves to the end of the clause. For example:
Main Clause: Ich gehe ins Kino. (I am going to the cinema.)
Subordinate Clause: weil ich den Film sehen möchte. (because I want to see the movie.)
Full Sentence: Ich gehe ins Kino, weil ich den Film sehen möchte. (I am going to the cinema because I want to see the movie.)

How do subordinating conjunctions interact with modal verbs?

When using subordinating conjunctions with modal verbs, the modal verb will be placed at the end of the subordinate clause, followed by the infinitive form of the main verb. For example:
Main Clause: Ich möchte ins Kino gehen. (I want to go to the cinema.)
Subordinate Clause: weil es einen interessanten Film gibt. (because there is an interesting film.)
Full Sentence: Ich möchte ins Kino gehen, weil es einen interessanten Film gibt. (I want to go to the cinema because there is an interesting film.)

Can you provide examples of sentences using common subordinating conjunctions?

Certainly! Here are some examples:
weil (because): Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es regnet. (I stay at home because it’s raining.)
dass (that): Sie glaubt, dass er die Wahrheit sagt. (She believes that he is telling the truth.)
wenn (if/when): Wir gehen spazieren, wenn das Wetter schön ist. (We go for a walk if the weather is nice.)
obwohl (although): Er hat gewonnen, obwohl er krank war. (He won although he was sick.)
bevor (before): Ich esse, bevor ich zur Arbeit gehe. (I eat before I go to work.)

What is the difference between ‘weil’ and ‘wenn’?

Weil is used to express a reason or cause. For example, “Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es regnet.” (I stay at home because it’s raining.) Wenn, on the other hand, is used to express conditions or time-related conditions. For example, “Wir gehen spazieren, wenn das Wetter schön ist.” (We go for a walk if the weather is nice.)

3. wenn (if/when)

Example Sentences:

Sentence: Ich komme, wenn ich Zeit habe.
Translation: I will come if I have time.
Pronunciation: इच कोम्मे, वेन इच ज़ाइट हाबे
Sentence: Wenn es schön ist, gehen wir nach draußen.
Translation: If it is nice, we will go outside.
Pronunciation: वेन एस श्यून इस्ट, गेहेन वीर नाख ड्रॉउसेन
Sentence: Ich rufe dich an, wenn ich fertig bin.
Translation: I will call you when I am finished.
Pronunciation: इच रूफे डिच आन, वेन इच फेर्टिग बिन
Sentence: Wenn du Hilfe brauchst, sag es mir.
Translation: If you need help, tell me.
Pronunciation: वेन डू हिल्फे ब्रॉच्स्ट, ज़ाग एस मीर
Sentence: Wir gehen nach Hause, wenn der Film zu Ende ist.
Translation: We will go home when the movie is over.
Pronunciation: वीर गेहेन नाख हाउसे, वेन डेर फिल्म त्सु एन्डे इस्ट

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Mastering Subordinating Conjunctions in German: A Comprehensive Guide

What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?