Nebensätze (Subordinate Clauses)

What is a subordinate clause?

A subordinate clause is a sentence that gives additional information. It cannot stand alone and is always connected to a main clause.

The most important rule is:

The conjugated verb goes at the end of the subordinate clause.

Example:

Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich in Deutschland arbeiten möchte.

I am learning German because I want to work in Germany.

When do you use subordinate clauses?

You use subordinate clauses

• to give a reason.

• to describe a point in time.

• to express an opinion or thought.

• to describe a condition.

• to express a contrast.

Why do you use subordinate clauses?

Subordinate clauses make sentences more detailed and more natural.

They help you include more information in one sentence instead of using many short sentences.

How do you form a subordinate clause?

The main clause stays normal.

After words like weil (because), dass (that), wenn (if/when) or obwohl (although), you begin a subordinate clause.

The verb goes at the end.

Example:

Ich bin glücklich, weil du hier bist.

I am happy because you are here.

Die wichtigsten Wörter

• weil = because

• dass = that

• wenn = if / when

• obwohl = although

Easy rule

In a main clause, the verb is in position 2.

In a subordinate clause, the verb always goes at the end.

Ich freue mich, weil du nach Italien kommst.

I am happy because you are coming to Italy.

Ich weiß, dass du in Australien wohnst.

I know that you live in Australia

Ich komme, wenn ich Zeit habe.

will come if I have time.

Wir gehen spazieren, wenn das Wetter gut ist

We will go for a walk if the weather is nice.

Ich bin müde, weil ich früh aufgestanden bin

I am tired because I got up early.

Ich bin glücklich, weil wir zusammen durch Thailand, Laos und Kambodscha gereist sind.

I am happy because we travelled together through Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.

Ich hoffe, dass du im Oktober nach Italien kommst.

I hope that you are coming to Italy in October.

Wir telefonieren jeden Tag, weil wir gerade eine Fernbeziehung haben.

We talk on the phone every day because we are currently in a long-distance relationship.

Ich besuche dich, wenn ich wieder nach Australien fliege.

I will visit you when I fly to Australia again.

Wir lachen viel, obwohl wir gerade nicht im selben Land sind.

We laugh a lot although we are not in the same country right now.