I. Theory
Subordinating conjunctions differ from coordinating conjunctions in that they connect a main clause to a subordinate clause. A clause is similar to a sentence in that it contains a subject and predicate, although it may not stand independently. Subordinate clauses do not function independently.English Example:
| Since it was nice out, we decided to go for a walk around the neighborhood. Since it was nice out, (subordinate) We decided to go for a walk around the neighborhood. (main clause) |
This added clause provides additional information about the main clause. In English, some conjunctions that are used in subordinate clauses are: however, although, despite, because, since, and due to. In German, subordinate clauses either begin or end with a comma, connecting them to their main sentence.
| Obwohl wir die Konzerthalle früh erreicht hatten, mussten wir in der Warteschlange stehen. Although we had gotten to the concert hall early, we had to stand in line. Wir beschlossen, noch einen Tag im Dorf zu bleiben, weil wir nicht genug Zeit hatten, das Schloss zu besuchen. We decided to stay another day in the village, because we didn’t have enough time to visit the castle. |
II. Word Order
As seen in the examples above, in subordinate clauses, the conjugated verb comes at the end of the clause and is followed by comma. If it comes after the main clause, then it ends with a period since it began with a comma.If the subordinate clause is introducing the main clause, the main clause begins with the conjugated verb, rather than the sentence's subject.
| Bevor ich heute nach Hause komme, gehe ich noch schnell in den Supermarkt. Before I come home today, I will stop by the supermarket. |
Note that, in this construction, the two conjugated verbs will always be side-by-side with a comma between them.
| Obwohl sie kein Interesse am Unterrichten hat, glaube ich, dass sie eine gute Lehrerin wäre. Although she has no interest in teaching, I believe that she would be a good teacher. Falls du nicht von mir hörst, kannst du mir eine E-Mail schreiben. If you don’t hear from me, you can write me an email. |
III. Dass
Dass usually translates to that in English and is used to introduce a subordinate clause. It is often used with verbs such as denken, glauben, and hoffen. Dass also starts clauses conveying reported speech.| Ich glaube, dass die Modenschau eine interessante Kollektion vorstellen wird. I think that the fashion show will introduce an interesting collection. Sie sagte, dass die Firma ein neues Büro in Leipzig eröffnet hat. She said that the firm opened a new office in Leipzig. |
IV. Other Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Weil
Weil is often used to provide a reason for the action in the main clause.| Ich habe mich entschieden, nach einem neuen Arbeitsplatz zu suchen, weil ich gegenwärtig nicht genug verdiene. I have decided to look for a new job, because I am currently not making enough money. |
Ob
| Wissen Sie, ob das Meeting abgesagt ist? Do you know whether the meeting is canceled (or not)? |
Wenn
| Wenn es möglich wäre, könnten wir uns morgen treffen? If it is possible, could we meet tomorrow? |
Obwohl
| Obwohl ich den ganzen Tag frei hatte, habe ich nichts unternommen. Although I had the entire day off, I didn’t do anything. |
Falls
| Ruf mich an, falls du Probleme mit dem Auto hast. Call me, if you have problems with the car. |
Sodass
| Ich schreibe mein Blog auf Englisch, sodass ich mehr Leser erreiche. I write my blog in English, so that I reach more readers. |