B1 German GrammarComplex Sentence Structure
Master advanced German conjunctions and connectors for building sophisticated complex sentences. Learn obwohl, trotzdem, falls, sobald, nachdem, bevor, and other connectors that enable nuanced expression and native-like fluency.
1Concessive Connectors (obwohl, trotzdem, obgleich)
Concessive connectors express contrast or unexpected outcomes. 'Obwohl' (although) introduces a subordinate clause with verb-final word order. 'Trotzdem' (nevertheless) is an adverb connecting two main clauses with normal verb-second order. 'Obgleich' and 'obschon' are more formal alternatives to obwohl.
Concessive Connectors
| Connector | Type | Word Order | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| obwohl | subordinating | verb-final | although |
| trotzdem | adverb | verb-second | nevertheless |
| obgleich | subordinating | verb-final | although (formal) |
| dennoch | adverb | verb-second | nonetheless |
Examples
Obwohl es regnet, gehen wir spazieren.
Although it's raining, we're going for a walk.
obwohl + verb at end
Es regnet. Trotzdem gehen wir spazieren.
It's raining. Nevertheless, we're going for a walk.
trotzdem + verb second
Er ist müde, obwohl er lange geschlafen hat.
He is tired although he slept a long time.
obwohl clause after main clause
Sie hat kein Geld. Dennoch kauft sie das Kleid.
She has no money. Nonetheless, she buys the dress.
dennoch = trotzdem (formal)
2Conditional Connectors (falls, sofern, es sei denn)
'Falls' (if/in case) and 'sofern' (provided that) introduce conditions that may or may not happen. They are more uncertain than 'wenn.' 'Es sei denn' (unless) introduces an exception to the main statement. All three are subordinating conjunctions with verb-final word order.
Conditional Connectors
| Connector | Meaning | Certainty Level | Example Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| wenn | if/when | neutral/likely | Wenn du kommst, freue ich mich. |
| falls | if/in case | uncertain | Falls er kommt, ruf mich an. |
| sofern | provided that | conditional | Sofern das Wetter gut ist... |
| es sei denn | unless | exception | ..., es sei denn, es regnet. |
Examples
Falls du Hilfe brauchst, ruf mich an.
In case you need help, call me.
falls = uncertain condition
Ich komme, sofern ich Zeit habe.
I'll come, provided I have time.
sofern = on the condition that
Wir machen ein Picknick, es sei denn, es regnet.
We'll have a picnic, unless it rains.
es sei denn introduces exception
Falls der Zug Verspätung hat, nehmen wir den Bus.
If the train is delayed, we'll take the bus.
falls for contingency plan
3Temporal Connectors (sobald, nachdem, bevor, bis)
Temporal connectors express time relationships between events. 'Sobald' (as soon as), 'nachdem' (after), 'bevor' (before), 'bis' (until), 'seitdem' (since). Note that 'nachdem' often triggers Plusquamperfekt in the nachdem-clause for events before the main clause action.
Temporal Connectors
| Connector | Meaning | Typical Tense Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| sobald | as soon as | present or future |
| nachdem | after | Plusquamperfekt + Präteritum |
| bevor | before | same tense in both |
| bis | until | present or future |
| seitdem | since | present perfect + present |
Examples
Sobald ich ankomme, rufe ich dich an.
As soon as I arrive, I'll call you.
sobald + present (future meaning)
Nachdem er gegessen hatte, ging er ins Bett.
After he had eaten, he went to bed.
nachdem + Plusquamperfekt
Bevor du gehst, mach das Licht aus.
Before you leave, turn off the light.
bevor + present
Ich warte, bis du fertig bist.
I'll wait until you're ready.
bis + present
4Causal and Purpose Connectors (da, zumal, damit, um...zu)
'Da' (since/as) gives reasons like 'weil' but is more formal and often starts sentences. 'Zumal' (especially since) adds emphasis to reasons. 'Damit' (so that) and 'um...zu' (in order to) express purpose. Use 'um...zu' when subjects are identical; use 'damit' when they differ.
Causal and Purpose Connectors
| Connector | Type | Meaning | Subject Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| da | subordinating | since/as (reason) | any |
| zumal | subordinating | especially since | any |
| damit | subordinating | so that (purpose) | different subjects OK |
| um...zu | infinitive clause | in order to | same subject required |
Examples
Da es spät ist, gehe ich nach Hause.
Since it's late, I'm going home.
da = weil (more formal)
Er lernt Deutsch, zumal seine Freundin Deutsche ist.
He's learning German, especially since his girlfriend is German.
zumal adds emphasis
Ich spare Geld, damit meine Kinder studieren können.
I'm saving money so that my children can study.
damit (different subjects)
Ich spare Geld, um ein Auto zu kaufen.
I'm saving money in order to buy a car.
um...zu (same subject)