German Subordinating Conjunctions List: 20 Essential Examples
German subordinating conjunctions are words that introduce a dependent clause and push the verb to the end; this list gives you the most useful ones and shows how to use them correctly. Below you’ll find explanations, examples, and a quick practice routine you can start right now.
What are German subordinating conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions (subjunktive Bindewörter) connect a main clause with a subordinate clause and force the finite verb of the subordinate clause to the final position. They answer questions like why?, when?, how?, or under what condition. Common English equivalents are “because”, “although”, “when”, and “if”.
Examples:
- weil (because) – Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich nach Berlin ziehe. (I am learning German because I am moving to Berlin.)
- obwohl (although) – Er kommt, obwohl er müde ist. (He is coming although he is tired.)
- dass (that) – Sie sagt, dass sie später kommt. (She says that she will come later.)
- wenn (if/when) – Wenn es regnet, bleiben wir zu Hause. (If it rains, we stay at home.)
- nachdem (after) – Nachdem wir gegessen haben, gehen wir spazieren. (After we have eaten, we go for a walk.)
These five already cover many everyday situations, and you can find more in the full list below. For quick reference to everyday phrases, check out our phrase collection.
Which subordinating conjunctions should I know for A1–B2?
At the beginner and intermediate levels, mastering the following 20 conjunctions gives you a solid foundation. They are grouped by meaning to help you remember them.
- weil – because
- obwohl – although
- dass – that
- wenn – if / when
- nachdem – after
- bevor – before
- seit – since (time)
- während – while
- damit – so that
- falls – in case
- ob – whether
- sobald – as soon as
- solange – as long as
- indem – by (doing something)
- weil (again for emphasis) – because
- seitdem – since (point in time)
- trotzdem – nevertheless
- damit (again) – so that
- obgleich – although
- weshalb – why / for which reason
Notice the repetition of some forms (e.g., weil and damit) because they appear in different contexts; recognizing the nuance is part of the learning process.
How do subordinating conjunctions affect word order?
When a subordinate clause begins with a conjunction, the finite verb moves to the end of that clause. The main clause keeps the usual V2 (verb‑second) order. This shift is the hallmark of German syntax and often trips learners.
Example with weil:
- Main clause first: Ich gehe ins Kino. (I am going to the cinema.)
- With subordinate clause: Ich gehe ins Kino, weil ich den Film sehen will. (I am going to the cinema because I want to see the film.) – notice will (want) is at the end of the subordinate part.
Another example with wenn:
- Wir treffen uns, wenn du fertig bist. (We will meet when you are finished.) – the verb bist (are) is final.
Understanding this rule lets you build complex sentences without sounding stilted. For a quick visual aid, try the word‑of‑the‑day tool, which often highlights tricky verb‑final patterns.
Practical steps to master subordinating conjunctions
Apply this three‑step routine daily; it fits into a 10‑minute practice window.
- Identify the conjunction in a short text (use our writing prompts for A2 level). Write down the English meaning and the position of the verb.
- Rewrite the sentence by swapping the main and subordinate clauses. Check that the verb moves to the end of the subordinate part.
- Speak the new sentence aloud, using the listen‑and‑repeat tool to compare your pronunciation with the native model.
Doing this routine for each of the 20 conjunctions in the list will cement the pattern in both your writing and speaking.
How to practice this topic with German Buddy
German Buddy lets you turn the list into active practice. In Conversation mode, choose a role‑play scene (e.g., a doctor’s appointment) and ask the AI to insert a subordinating conjunction; you then respond with a sentence that follows the verb‑final rule. In Write mode, use the prompt list to compose short paragraphs that contain at least three different conjunctions, and receive gentle corrections that highlight word‑order issues. Start with the free daily allowance and, if you like the flow, enjoy 7 days of unlimited practice. start practising free.
FAQ
What is the difference between "weil" and "denn"?
Both mean “because”, but weil introduces a verb‑final clause, while denn keeps the normal V2 order. Example: Ich gehe nach Hause, weil ich müde bin. vs. Ich gehe nach Hause, denn ich bin müde.
Can I use "obwohl" at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes. When it starts the sentence, the verb still moves to the end of the subordinate clause: Obwohl es kalt ist, gehen wir schwimmen. (Although it is cold, we go swimming.)
Do all subordinate clauses require a comma?
German punctuation rules mandate a comma before the subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause. This helps readers see the clause boundary.
How many subordinating conjunctions are there in total?
German has dozens, but the most frequent 20 listed above cover everyday communication and exam requirements up to B2 level.