B1 · 중급 챕터 45

Conjunctions and Time Expressions

8 총 규칙
82 예문
8 분
이 챕터의 규칙 빠른 연습

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of connecting complex thoughts in German using precise temporal and logical conjunctions.

  • Sequence events using temporal markers like 'bevor' and 'nachdem'.
  • Explain causes and conditions with 'weil' and 'wenn'.
  • Contrast ideas using 'während' and 'entweder... oder'.
Connect your ideas like a native speaker.

배울 내용

Master subordinating conjunctions for time, cause, and condition: als, seitdem, bevor, obwohl.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Construct complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions to describe the timing of past and present events.

챕터 가이드

Overview

Welcome to the chapter on
Conjunctions and Time Expressions
! This topic is fundamental for B1 learners because it allows you to connect ideas, express complex thoughts, and structure your sentences in a more sophisticated way. Instead of just stating simple facts, you'll learn how to explain *why* something happened, *when* it happened, or *under what conditions* it might happen.
By mastering these conjunctions and time expressions, you'll be able to tell more detailed stories, give clearer explanations, and participate in richer conversations. We'll explore how to talk about events since they started using 'seitdem', pinpoint specific past moments with 'als', plan actions with 'bevor' and 'nachdem', explain reasons with 'weil', handle conditions and recurring events with the versatile 'wenn', make choices with 'entweder...oder', and describe simultaneous actions with 'während'. This guide will equip you with the tools to significantly enhance your German fluency and precision.

How This Grammar Works

These conjunctions and expressions serve as the glue for your sentences, linking clauses and ideas together. Most of them are subordinating conjunctions, which means they introduce a subordinate clause where the conjugated verb moves to the very end.
Using 'Seitdem': Talking about things since they started
*Seitdem* (since then, since) introduces a subordinate clause explaining the starting point of an ongoing action.
* *Seitdem du hier wohnst, ist die Stimmung viel besser.* (Since you've been living here, the mood is much better.)
Past Events: Using 'Als' (One Time Only)
*Als* (when) is used for a single event or a defined period in the past. It introduces a subordinate clause.
* *Als du klein warst, hast du gerne Schokolade gegessen.* (When you were little, you liked to eat chocolate.)
German Conjunction: Using 'before' (bevor)
*Bevor* (before) introduces a subordinate clause describing an action that precedes another.
* *Wasch dir die Hände, bevor du isst.* (Wash your hands before you eat.)
Giving Reasons: Using 'because' (weil)
*Weil* (because) introduces a subordinate clause that explains the reason for an action or state.
* *Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich in Deutschland studieren möchte.* (I'm learning German because I want to study in Germany.)
The Master Key 'Wenn': If, When, or Whenever?
*Wenn* is highly versatile. It can mean if (for conditions), when (for recurring events in the past, present, or future), or whenever. It introduces a subordinate clause.
* *Wenn du Zeit hast, können wir uns treffen.* (If you have time, we can meet.)
* *Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause.* (When/Whenever it rains, I stay at home.)
Either... Or: Making Choices (entweder ... oder)
*Entweder ... oder* (either ... or) is a paired coordinating conjunction used to present a choice between two options. It connects two main clauses or elements within a clause. If *entweder* starts the sentence, the verb immediately follows it.
* *Entweder kommst du jetzt, oder wir gehen ohne dich.* (Either you come now, or we'll go without you.)
Using 'After' in German: The Word 'nachdem'
*Nachdem* (after) introduces a subordinate clause, indicating an action that happened before the main clause's action. Pay attention to tense sequencing, especially in the past.
* *Nachdem du gegessen hast, räumst du bitte den Tisch ab.* (After you have eaten, please clear the table.)
* *Nachdem ich die Aufgabe erledigt hatte, ging ich nach Hause.* (After I had finished the task, I went home.)
German 'während': While & Whereas (Conjunctions)
*Während* (while, whereas) introduces a subordinate clause. As while, it describes simultaneous actions. As whereas, it indicates a contrast.
* *Während du kochst, lese ich ein Buch.* (While you cook, I'll read a book.)
* *Du magst den Winter, während ich den Sommer bevorzuge.* (You like winter, whereas I prefer summer.)

Common Mistakes

✗ Wenn ich klein war, spielte ich oft im Garten.
✓ Als ich klein war, spielte ich oft im Garten.
Why: *Als* is used for a single, non-repeated event or period in the past (
when I was little
). *Wenn* is for recurring events or conditions.
✗ Ich gehe ins Bett, weil ich bin müde.
✓ Ich gehe ins Bett, weil ich müde bin.
Why: Subordinating conjunctions like *weil* send the conjugated verb to the very end of their clause.
✗ Nachdem ich gegessen habe, ging ich ins Bett.
✓ Nachdem ich gegessen hatte, ging ich ins Bett.
Why: When *nachdem* refers to two sequential past actions, the action in the *nachdem*-clause often uses the Plusquamperfekt (past perfect) to indicate it happened *before* the action in the main clause, which is in Präteritum or Perfekt. This makes the sequence clearer.
✗ Seitdem letzter Woche lerne ich Deutsch.
✓ Seit letzter Woche lerne ich Deutsch.
Why: *Seit* is a preposition followed by a dative noun or pronoun, indicating a duration starting from a point in time. *Seitdem* is a subordinating conjunction introducing a clause (
since (the time that)
).
✗ Entweder du kommst, oder wir gehen.
✓ Entweder kommst du, oder wir gehen.
Why: When *entweder* starts the sentence, the verb (kommst) must immediately follow it, creating an inverted word order in the first clause.

Real Conversations

A

A

Was machst du immer, wenn du nach Hause kommst?
B

B

Wenn ich nach Hause komme, ziehe ich mich sofort um, weil ich gemütliche Kleidung mag.
A

A

Das ist eine gute Idee!

Translation:

A

A

What do you always do when you come home?
B

B

When I come home, I immediately change my clothes because I like comfortable clothes.
A

A

That's a good idea!
A

A

Erinnerst du dich, als wir unseren ersten Kaffee zusammen getrunken haben?
B

B

Ja, klar! Bevor wir ihn getrunken haben, hat es geregnet. Und nachdem die Sonne wieder schien, sind wir noch spazieren gegangen.
A

A

Das war ein schöner Tag!

Translation:

A

A

Do you remember when we had our first coffee together?
B

B

Yes, of course! Before we drank it, it was raining. And after the sun shone again, we went for a walk.
A

A

That was a beautiful day!
A

A

Während du das Abendessen kochst, kann ich den Tisch decken.
B

B

Danke, das wäre toll! Entweder deckst du den Tisch, oder du hilfst mir beim Gemüse schneiden.
A

A

Ich decke den Tisch, das ist einfacher für mich.

Translation:

A

A

While you cook dinner, I can set the table.
B

B

Thanks, that would be great! Either you set the table, or you help me cut the vegetables.
A

A

I'll set the table, that's easier for me.

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between *als* and *wenn*?

*Als* is used specifically for a single event or a defined, non-repeated period in the past (

When I was a child...
). *Wenn* is much more general, used for conditions (if), repeated events in the past, present, or future (whenever it rains...), or single events in the present or future (
when you arrive tomorrow...
).

Q

Do all these conjunctions send the verb to the end of the clause?

Almost all of them! *Als, seitdem, bevor, weil, wenn, nachdem, während* are subordinating conjunctions and always send the conjugated verb to the very end of their clause. *Entweder ... oder* is a paired *coordinating* conjunction. It connects two main clauses or parts of sentences, so it doesn't send the verb to the end. If *entweder* starts a sentence, the verb immediately follows it in the first clause, and the second clause follows normal main clause word order.

Q

Can *seitdem* also be used as a preposition like *seit*?

No, *seitdem* is either a subordinating conjunction (meaning

since [the time that]
) or an adverb (meaning since then, ever since). The word you use as a preposition to mean since (followed by a dative noun or pronoun) is *seit*. For example: *Seit letzter Woche* (Since last week) vs. *Seitdem ich hier bin* (Since I've been here).

Q

Is there a specific rule for tenses when using *nachdem*?

Yes, *nachdem* often implies a sequence of events. The action in the *nachdem*-clause generally occurs *before* the action in the main clause. If the main clause is in the present or future tense, the *nachdem*-clause usually uses the Perfekt. If the main clause is in a past tense (Präteritum or Perfekt), the *nachdem*-clause most commonly uses the Plusquamperfekt (past perfect) to clearly show that its action happened earlier in the past.

Cultural Context

Mastering conjunctions and time expressions is not just about grammatical correctness; it's about embracing a core aspect of German communication: precision and logical structuring. German culture often values clarity, order, and thoroughness, and this is deeply reflected in the language. The ability to articulate exact relationships between events – what happened first, why something is the case, or under what conditions – allows for more nuanced and less ambiguous expression.
Using these structures correctly demonstrates a speaker's ability to think and communicate in a structured way, which is highly appreciated in many German-speaking contexts, from academic discussions to professional environments. It moves your language beyond simple sentences and closer to the detailed, well-organized communication that is a hallmark of German discourse. It shows that you can connect ideas coherently, making your German sound more natural and sophisticated to native speakers.

주요 예문 (4)

1

Ich checke meine E-Mails, bevor ich das Büro verlasse.

I check my emails before I leave the office.

독일어 접속사: '~하기 전에' (bevor) 사용법
2

Bevor wir das Spiel starten, müssen wir die Regeln lesen.

Before we start the game, we have to read the rules.

독일어 접속사: '~하기 전에' (bevor) 사용법
3

Ich höre Musik, während ich Sport mache.

나는 운동을 하는 동안 음악을 듣는다.

독일어 'während': ~하는 동안 & ~인 반면에 (접속사)
4

Während sie arbeitet, trinkt sie viel Kaffee.

그녀는 일하는 동안 커피를 많이 마신다.

독일어 'während': ~하는 동안 & ~인 반면에 (접속사)

팁과 요령 (4)

🎯

'Seit'로 줄여 쓰기

일상 대화에서는 seitdem 대신 seit만 써도 충분해요. 둘 다 문장을 연결하는 접속사 역할을 할 수 있거든요.
Seit ich hier bin
도 아주 자연스러워요!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 'Seitdem' 사용법: 시작된 이후의 일들에 대해 말하기
🎯

'Immer' 테스트로 구분하기

'Immer'(항상)를 붙여도 말이 되면 'wenn'을 쓰세요. 'Immer als ich geboren wurde...'처럼 어색하면 'als'를 써야 해요.
Als ich geboren wurde, war ich sehr klein.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 과거 사건: 'Als' 사용법 (딱 한 번)
💡

Comma usage

Always place a comma after the 'bevor' clause if it comes first.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 독일어 접속사: '~하기 전에' (bevor) 사용법
🎯

동사를 끝으로 차버리는 '슈팅' 기법

'weil'이 문장에 등장하면 축구 선수처럼 동사를 문장 맨 끝 골대로 뻥 차버린다고 생각하세요!
...weil ich heute keine Zeit habe.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 이유 말하기: 'weil' (~때문에) 사용법

핵심 어휘 (5)

der Grund (masc.) the reason während while entweder either bevor before die Bedingung (fem.) the condition

Real-World Preview

plane

Planning a Trip

Review Summary

  • Main clause + weil + subject + ... + verb.

자주 하는 실수

In subordinating clauses, the verb must be at the end.

Wrong: Ich gehe, weil ich bin müde.
정답: Ich gehe, weil ich müde bin.

Als is used for specific past events, so the past tense (Präteritum) is mandatory.

Wrong: Als ich gehe zur Arbeit...
정답: Als ich zur Arbeit ging...

Verb position is key. Place the auxiliary verb at the end.

Wrong: Bevor ich habe gegessen...
정답: Bevor ich gegessen habe...

이 챕터의 규칙 (8)

1

'Seitdem' 사용법: 시작된 이후의 일들에 대해 말하기

B1
과거의 특정 시점부터 지금까지 이어지는 상황을 연결할 때 seitdem을 쓰고, 동사는 항상 «문장 맨 끝»으로 보내주세요!
Seitdem ich die App nutze, lerne ich jeden Tag.
11 예문
2

과거 사건: 'Als' 사용법 (딱 한 번)

B1
과거의 딱 한 번 있었던 일에는 'als'를 쓰고, 그 외 (반복, 현재, 미래)에는 'wenn'을 사용하세요.
Als ich mein Handy verlor, war ich total panisch.
11 예문
3

독일어 접속사: '~하기 전에' (bevor) 사용법

B1
Use bevor for actions with verbs; it kicks the conjugated verb to the very end of the clause.
Ich checke meine E-Mails, bevor ich das Büro verla...
10 예문
4

이유 말하기: 'weil' (~때문에) 사용법

B1
이유를 말할 땐 weil을 쓰고, 문장 끝에 동사를 배치하는
Verb at the end
규칙만 기억하세요!
Ich kann nicht kommen, weil ich arbeiten muss.
10 예문
5

만능 열쇠 'Wenn': 만약, ...할 때, 아니면 ...할 때마다?

B1
조건을 말할 때나 반복되는 상황에는 wenn을 쓰세요! 하지만 시간을 묻는 질문엔 wann, 과거의 특별한 한 번의 사건엔 als를 써야 한답니다.
Wenn das W-LAN nicht funktioniert, raste ich aus.
10 예문
6

A 아니면 B: 선택하기 (entweder ... oder)

B1
둘 중 하나만 선택해야 하는 배타적인 상황에서 'entweder... oder'를 사용해 보세요. 명확한 선택지를 줄 때 최고예요! entweder, oder
Entweder wir gehen ins Kino, oder wir schauen Netf...
10 예문
7

독일어로 '~한 후에' 표현하기: 'nachdem' 접속사

B1
두 사건의 순서를 정해주는 마법의 단어예요! 먼저 끝난 일에는 한 단계 더 과거 시제인 Perfekt나 Plusquamperfekt를 써주세요.
Nachdem ich die E-Mail geschickt habe, mache ich P...
10 예문
8

독일어 'während': ~하는 동안 & ~인 반면에 (접속사)

B1
동시에 하는 행동이나 대조를 나타낼 때 쓰며, 동사를 문장 끝으로 보내는 während를 기억하세요!
Ich höre Musik, während ich Sport mache.
10 예문

Next Steps

You have mastered the hardest part of German sentence structure. Keep practicing!

Write a journal entry about your weekend.

Continue to: Prepositions, Cases, and N-Declension

빠른 연습 (10)

문장에서 틀린 부분을 찾아 고쳐보세요.

Ich bin glücklich, seitdem ich habe einen neuen Job.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich bin glücklich, seitdem ich einen neuen Job habe.
seitdem은 종속접속사이기 때문에 동사 'habe'를 문장 맨 끝으로 보내야 합니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 'Seitdem' 사용법: 시작된 이후의 일들에 대해 말하기

문법적으로 올바른 문장을 고르세요.

다음 중 맞는 구조는 무엇일까요?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Während ich lese, trinke ich Tee.
während 절이 문장 처음에 오면, 쉼표 바로 뒤에 주절의 동사 'trinke'가 와서 '동사-주어' 순서가 됩니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 독일어 'während': ~하는 동안 & ~인 반면에 (접속사)

문법적으로 올바른 문장을 고르세요.

다음 중 맞는 문장은 무엇일까요?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Entweder du kommst mit, 또는 du bleibst hier.
'oder'는 0번 자리 접속사이므로, 뒤에 오는 문장은 '주어+동사'의 일반적인 어순을 따라야 합니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: A 아니면 B: 선택하기 (entweder ... oder)

이 문장에서 실수를 찾아보세요.

Wenn ich gestern in Berlin ankam, war es kalt.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Als ich gestern in Berlin ankam, war es kalt.
'Gestern'(어제)에 일어났고 한 번만 있었던 일이므로, 'Wenn'이 아니라 'Als'를 사용해야 합니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 과거 사건: 'Als' 사용법 (딱 한 번)

문법적으로 올바른 문장을 고르세요.

올바른 어순을 선택하세요:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Seitdem ich Sport mache, fühle ich mich besser.
부문장이 앞에 오면 쉼표 뒤의 주절은 동사로 시작하는 '도치'가 일어납니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 'Seitdem' 사용법: 시작된 이후의 일들에 대해 말하기

시제 오류를 찾아 고쳐보세요.

Nachdem ich die Hausaufgabe mache, gehe ich schlafen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Nachdem ich die Hausaufgabe gemacht habe, gehe ich schlafen.
주절이 현재 시제일 때는 'nachdem'절에 현재완료(Perfekt)를 써서 완료된 행동임을 나타내야 해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 독일어로 '~한 후에' 표현하기: 'nachdem' 접속사

빈칸에 알맞은 동사 형태를 채워보세요.

Seitdem ich in Deutschland ___, lerne ich viel Deutsch. (wohnen)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: wohne
seitdem 절에서 변화하는 동사는 문장의 맨 끝에 위치해야 합니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 'Seitdem' 사용법: 시작된 이후의 일들에 대해 말하기

과거의 단일 사건에 가장 적합한 단어는 무엇인가요?

___ ich ein Kind war, habe ich viel gespielt.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Als
'어린 시절'은 과거의 단일 시간 덩어리입니다. 'als'를 사용합니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 과거 사건: 'Als' 사용법 (딱 한 번)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Bevor ich habe gegessen, gehe ich.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Bevor ich gegessen habe, gehe ich.
Auxiliary verb at the end.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 독일어 접속사: '~하기 전에' (bevor) 사용법

어순 오류를 찾아 수정해 보세요.

Find and fix the mistake:

Wir reden, während wir essen das Abendessen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wir reden, während wir das Abendessen essen.
동사 'essen'은 während 절의 맨 마지막으로 밀려나야 합니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 독일어 'während': ~하는 동안 & ~인 반면에 (접속사)

Score: /10

자주 묻는 질문 (6)

seit는 명사와 함께 쓰이는 전치사예요(Seit Montag). 반면 seitdem은 문장과 문장을 잇는 접속사죠(Seitdem ich arbeite). 하지만 접속사로 쓸 때는 seit도 가능하답니다!
seitdem이 이끄는 문장에서는 동사를 무조건 맨 뒤로 보내세요. 만약 이 문장이 문장 처음에 오면, 쉼표 바로 다음에 주절의 동사가 와야 해요.
Seitdem ich lerne, *bin* ich...
처럼요.
아니요. 'Als'는 엄격하게 과거 시제 단어입니다. '내일 도착하면...'과 같은 미래 사건에는 'wenn'을 사용해야 합니다.
'Als'는 한 번 일어난 일(단일 사건)에 사용됩니다. 'Wenn'은 반복적으로 일어난 일(언제나/매번)에 사용됩니다.
No, it can be in the middle of a sentence.
It moves to the end of the 'bevor' clause.
이전 챕터
The Passive Voice: Describing Actions and States
다음 챕터
Prepositions, Cases, and N-Declension
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