Daily Language Challenge
Introduction
Coordinating Conjunctions in German, just like in English, are used to connect words or groups of words of equal grammatical rank. Employing them effectively is key to creating clear, fluid sentences in German.
German Topic
FAQ - Coordinating Conjunctions
Frequently asked questions: Coordinating Conjunctions in German.
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Which coordinating conjunction is used for explaining reasons?
For example - "Ich konnte nicht schlafen, denn ich hatte viel Kaffee getrunken."
The coordinating conjunction 'denn' is used to give an explanation or reason for a stated fact or action. Therefore, in this context 'denn' is the best fit as it explains why the person couldn't sleep (because they had a lot of coffee).
Which coordinating conjunction is used for expressing a reason or explanation?
For example - "Ich möchte Milch kaufen, denn ich habe keine zu Hause."
The coordinating conjunction 'denn' is used to provide a reason or explanation for the action or state described in the main clause. In this case, the desire to buy milk is explained by the fact that there is no milk at home. Note - 'weil' can also fill this role, but doesn't fit in this sentence grammatically as the verb would need to move to the end.
Which coordinating conjunction is used for contrast with negation?
For example - "Er spricht nicht nur Deutsch, sondern auch Französisch."
The coordinating conjunction that is used to show a contrasting idea or correction is 'sondern', which means 'but/on the contrary'. 'Sondern' is used specifically after a negation to introduce an alternative or a contrasting statement, implying a correction or refinement of what was negated. It's similar to "but rather" or "but instead" in English.
Which coordinating conjunction is used for contrast?
For example - "Es regnet, aber wir werden trotzdem spazieren gehen"
The coordinating conjunction that is used to show contrast is 'aber', which means 'but'. In this example "aber" introduces a contrasting statement to "Es regnet," showing an intention to act despite the rain.