The 2 types of German conjunctions in a sentence
Conjunctions help you connect ideas more smoothly, write longer sentences, and speak more naturally. This lesson focuses on the two easiest groups to use: coordinating conjunctions and paired (correlative) conjunctions.
What is a conjunction?
Conjunctions are words used to connect two words, two phrases, or two clauses together. Without conjunctions, sentences would be short, choppy, and unable to express relationships such as addition, contrast, choice, or cause.
Coordinating conjunctions
- They connect two main clauses and do not change the position of the verb.
- The important words: und, aber, denn, sondern, oder.
- Use them when you want to connect ideas in a simple, clear way.
| Conjunction | Meaning | Reminder |
|---|---|---|
| und | and | adds an idea |
| aber | but | contrast |
| denn | because | explains a reason |
| oder | or | choice |
| sondern | but rather / on the contrary | corrects after a negation |
Das Wohnzimmer ist schön, aber zu dunkel.
The living room is nice but a bit too dark.
Sie muss sich ausruhen, denn sie ist krank.
She has to rest because she is sick.
Ich singe nicht gern, sondern tanze sehr gern.
I don't like to sing, but rather I really like to dance.
Paired conjunctions
| Conjunction pair | Meaning | Reminder |
|---|---|---|
| entweder ... oder | either ... or | choice |
| weder ... noch | neither ... nor | double negation |
| sowohl ... als auch | both ... and | addition |
| nicht nur ... sondern auch | not only ... but also | emphasis |
| je ... desto | the more ... the more | special structure |
Paired conjunctions need to be learned as pairs because the two parts always go together. You can't use entweder and forget oder, or use nicht nur and leave out sondern auch.
- entweder ... oder: offers a choice between two possibilities
- weder ... noch: negates both parts
- sowohl ... als auch: emphasizes that both are true
- nicht nur ... sondern auch: adds an idea to increase emphasis
je ... desto is a special case: je opens a subordinate clause so the verb goes to the end, while desto opens the main clause so the verb still stands in second position.
Je mehr du Deutsch sprichst, desto fließender wirst du.
The more German you speak, the more fluent you become.
Mẹo học nhanh
Master und, aber, denn, sondern thoroughly first. Once you're comfortable connecting two main clauses, then expand to longer pairs like entweder ... oder or je ... desto.