Nebensätze (Subordinate clauses)
B1 German grammar — Opinions. Subordinating conjunctions (*weil, dass, wenn, falls, obwohl, damit, sodass* …) send the **finite verb** to the **end** …
Rule explained
Subordinating conjunctions (*weil, dass, wenn, falls, obwohl, damit, sodass* …) send the **finite verb** to the **end** of their clause. A comma usually separates main and subordinate clauses in writing. **dass**-clauses after opinion verbs (*Ich denke, dass …*, *Es scheint, dass …*) keep verb-final order; omitting *dass* is colloquial (*Ich find, es ist gut*). **ob** introduces embedded yes/no questions with verb-final order (*Ich weiß nicht, ob …*).
Examples
Use these mini-pairs as templates:
- Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich nach Berlin ziehe. — I learn German because I'm moving to Berlin.
- Er sagt, dass er müde ist. — He says he is tired.
- Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause. — If it rains I stay home.
- Obwohl es teuer ist, kaufe ich es. — Although it is expensive, I'll buy it.
Common mistakes
Watch out for these learner errors:
- Don't forget the comma before 'weil', 'dass', etc.
- The conjugated verb is at the very END — not in the middle.