Connector, verb, subject
deshalb, trotzdem and außerdem are not conjunctions but adverbs. They stand inside the second clause and fill its first position. The conjugated verb must be in second position, so the subject moves behind it.
The connector takes the front slot
Three kinds of connector
| Type | Words | The verb | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| outside the clause | und, aber, oder, denn | stays second, after the subject | Es regnet, denn es ist Herbst. |
| opens a subordinate clause | weil, dass, obwohl, wenn | goes to the end | Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es regnet. |
| inside the clause, position 1 | deshalb, trotzdem, außerdem, dann, sonst | comes right after the connector | Es regnet, deshalb bleibe ich zu Hause. |
The connectors you need
By what they signal
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| deshalb, deswegen, darum, daher | so, that's why (the consequence) |
| also | so, therefore. English also is auch. |
| trotzdem | anyway, in spite of that |
| außerdem | besides, on top of that |
| dann, danach | then, afterwards |
| sonst | otherwise |
Ich habe morgen einen Termin, deshalb muss ich früher gehen.
I have an appointment tomorrow, so I have to leave earlier.
Der Laden hat zu, also gehen wir woanders hin.
The shop is closed, so we're going somewhere else.
Er war krank, trotzdem hat er gearbeitet.
He was ill, but he worked anyway.
Die Wohnung ist klein, außerdem ist sie teuer.
The flat is small, and on top of that it's expensive.
Ich mache das fertig, dann können wir los.
I'll finish this, then we can go.
Beeil dich, sonst verpassen wir den Zug.
Hurry up, or we'll miss the train.
Mind which half of the thought you are in. weil gives the reason, deshalb gives the consequence.
Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es regnet.
I'm staying at home because it's raining.
reason: verb at the end
Es regnet, deshalb bleibe ich zu Hause.
It's raining, so I'm staying at home.
consequence: verb right after the connector
