B1 · Intermediate Chapter 45

Conjunctions and Time Expressions

8 Total Rules
82 examples
8 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

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.

What You'll Learn

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.

Chapter Guide

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.

Key Examples (8)

1

Seitdem ich die App nutze, lerne ich jeden Tag.

Since I've been using the app, I've been learning every day.

Using 'Seitdem': Talking about things since they started
2

Ich habe keine Kopfschmerzen mehr, seitdem ich mehr Kaffee trinke.

I don't have headaches anymore since I've been drinking more coffee.

Using 'Seitdem': Talking about things since they started
3

Als ich mein Handy verlor, war ich total panisch.

When I lost my cell phone, I was totally panicked.

Past Events: Using 'Als' (One Time Only)
4

Als wir in Berlin waren, haben wir jeden Tag Döner gegessen.

When we were in Berlin, we ate kebabs every day.

Past Events: Using 'Als' (One Time Only)
5

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

I check my emails before I leave the office.

German Conjunction: Using 'before' (bevor)
6

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

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

German Conjunction: Using 'before' (bevor)
7

Ich kann nicht kommen, weil ich arbeiten muss.

I can't come because I have to work.

Giving Reasons: Using 'because' (weil)
8

Er ist glücklich, weil er die {die|f} Prüfung bestanden hat.

He is happy because he passed the exam.

Giving Reasons: Using 'because' (weil)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Verb Magnet

Remember that 'seitdem' is a verb magnet. It pulls the verb to the very end of the clause.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Using 'Seitdem': Talking about things since they started
💡

The Snapshot Rule

If you can take a photo of the event, use 'als'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Past Events: Using 'Als' (One Time Only)
💡

Comma usage

Always place a comma after the 'bevor' clause if it comes first.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: German Conjunction: Using 'before' (bevor)
💡

Verb at the end

Always visualize the verb jumping to the very end of the sentence when you say 'weil'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Giving Reasons: Using 'because' (weil)

Key Vocabulary (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.

Common Mistakes

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

Wrong: Ich gehe, weil ich bin müde.
Correct: 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...
Correct: Als ich zur Arbeit ging...

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

Wrong: Bevor ich habe gegessen...
Correct: Bevor ich gegessen habe...

Rules in This Chapter (8)

1

Using 'Seitdem': Talking about things since they started

B1
Use seitdem to link a past event to an ongoing present situation, always placing the verb at the end.
Seitdem ich die App nutze, lerne ich jeden Tag.
11 examples
2

Past Events: Using 'Als' (One Time Only)

B1
Use als only for one-time past events; for everything else (repeated past, present, future), use wenn.
Als ich mein Handy verlor, war ich total panisch.
11 examples
3

German Conjunction: Using 'before' (bevor)

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 examples
4

Giving Reasons: Using 'because' (weil)

B1
Use weil to give reasons, but remember to kick the conjugated verb to the very end of the clause.
Ich kann nicht kommen, weil ich arbeiten muss.
10 examples
5

The Master Key 'Wenn': If, When, or Whenever?

B1
Use wenn for conditions (if) and repeated events (whenever), but never for questions (wann) or single past events (als).
Wenn das W-LAN nicht funktioniert, raste ich aus.
10 examples
6

Either... Or: Making Choices (entweder ... oder)

B1
Use 'entweder... oder' to present two distinct options where only one can be chosen.
Entweder wir gehen ins Kino, oder wir schauen Netf...
10 examples
7

Using 'After' in German: The Word 'nachdem'

B1
Use nachdem to link two sequential actions, ensuring the earlier action uses a 'further back' tense.
Nachdem ich die E-Mail geschickt habe, mache ich P...
10 examples
8

German 'während': While & Whereas (Conjunctions)

B1
Use während for multitasking or contrast, but always kick the conjugated verb to the very end of the clause.
Ich höre Musik, während ich Sport mache.
10 examples

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

Quick Practice (10)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Seitdem ich bin hier, lerne ich Deutsch.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Seitdem ich hier bin, lerne ich Deutsch.
Verb at end of subordinate, main clause starts with verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Using 'Seitdem': Talking about things since they started

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Bevor ich gehe, esse ich.
Main clause requires V2.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: German Conjunction: Using 'before' (bevor)

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: German Conjunction: Using 'before' (bevor)

Fill in the correct verb form.

Bevor ich nach Hause ___ (gehen), esse ich.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: gehe
Subject 'ich' requires 'gehe'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: German Conjunction: Using 'before' (bevor)

Choose the correct prepositional form.

___ des Tages arbeite ich.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Während
Correct preposition.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: German 'während': While & Whereas (Conjunctions)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Nachdem ich gelernt hatte, schlief ich.
Main clause needs subject and verb in position 2.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Using 'After' in German: The Word 'nachdem'

Find the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

Nachdem ich gegessen habe, ich gehe schlafen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Nachdem ich gegessen habe, gehe ich schlafen.
The main clause must start with the verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Using 'After' in German: The Word 'nachdem'

Find the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

Während ich bin müde, schlafe ich.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Während ich müde bin, schlafe ich.
Verb must be at the end.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: German 'während': While & Whereas (Conjunctions)

Fill in the missing conjunctions.

___ du gehst, ___ du bleibst.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Entweder / oder
This is the standard structure for a choice.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Either... Or: Making Choices (entweder ... oder)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich arbeite, während er spielt.
Correct word order.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: German 'während': While & Whereas (Conjunctions)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

Yes, but remember that the main clause must then start with the verb.
No, 'seit' is a preposition for time, 'seitdem' is a conjunction for clauses.
No, 'als' is strictly for the past. Use 'wenn' for the future.
If it's a completed period in the past, like 'childhood', you still use 'als'.
No, it can be in the middle of a sentence.
It moves to the end of the 'bevor' clause.
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The Passive Voice: Describing Actions and States
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Prepositions, Cases, and N-Declension
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