German Grammar and Vocabulary Review

Conjunctions in German

Coordinating Conjunctions:
- Words like aber (but), und (and), denn (because). These do not change the word order.
- So is similar to aber (but).
- Denn means because (one way to say it in German).

These conjunctions change the word order, specifically moving the verb to the end of the clause.
Example: using weil (because). Because it is subordinating, the verb goes to the end of the sentence.
When a sentence starts with a dependent clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction, the entire clause is considered the first part of the sentence (position one).
Common subordinating conjunctions:
- Als: When, referring to a specific moment in time. (Remember there are three ways to say when in German).
- Wenn: Can mean when (conditional or repeated event).
- Wann: Question word (when?). Used in questions referring to a specific moment in time (e.g., Wann ist der Zug gekommen? - When did the train arrive?).
Other subordinating conjunctions: bevor, damit, dass, indem, nachdem, ob, obwohl, während, weil, wenn.
Exam relevance: You may not have to write sentences using these, but you need to recognize them. You will also likely need to use conjunctions like "because", "although", "after" or "before" in the written part of the exam when describing your restaurant experience.

Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunction based on the context and whether it is coordinating or subordinating, considering the verb positions.
Example sentences:
- "Nachdem sie ein paar Mal um mich herumgelaufen war, begann sie zu lachen." (After she walked around me a few times, she began to laugh).
- "Obwohl ich es gern machen würde." (Although I'd like to do it).

Reminder from Chapter 6 (page 214) vocabulary.
- Das Erdgeschoss: Ground floor.
- Der erste Stock: First floor (which is the second floor in American terms).
- Der zweite Stock: Second floor (which is the third floor in American terms).
Recalling vocabulary and prepositions associated with locations within a building.

Reminder about when to use dative versus accusative when talking about location or movement towards something.
Dative:
- Used with location (static).
- Example: in dem becomes im in the dative case related to location.
- In der becomes im because the location is dative.

Dative verbs use a dative pronoun.
- Example: Ich gebe dir etwas (I am giving something to you), using dir instead of dich.
Beneficiary:
- Many dative verbs imply a beneficiary.
- Example: Ich koche dir eine Pizza (I'm cooking you a pizza), because you're the beneficiary.
Examples of dative verbs:
- Geben: To give
- Kochen: To cook (for someone)
Clothing and Color vocabulary is important too.

Prepositions with the dative do not always have a logical connection; you just have to remember them.

Group 1: Subject and dative object are both people.
Group 2: Subject is a thing, and the object is a person who experiences or owns the thing.
Memorizing dative verbs is more important than categorizing them.
Example: passen (to fit) may not sound like a dative verb in English, but it is in German (e.g., Das passt dir gut - That fits you well).

Some German dative verbs don't translate directly or logically into English.
- Example: Mir fehlt ein Buch (I'm missing a book) - a literal translation would be "A book is missing for me."
- Example: Gefällt dir dieser Schrank? (Do you like this cabinet?) - We wouldn't phrase it that way in English.
Memorizing dative verbs is easier than trying to logic them out.

Review the final exam study guide.
Consider the reviews done in class.
Nothing should be shocking on the test if you've studied the guide and the reviews.
Good luck with your study for all classes.