B1 Word Order 11 min read Medium

Subordinate Clauses: The Verb Kickers (weil, dass, wenn)

When using weil, dass, or wenn, kick the conjugated verb to the very end of the sentence.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

When you use a subordinating conjunction like 'weil', 'dass', or 'wenn', the conjugated verb must jump to the very end of the clause.

  • Subordinating conjunctions start a new clause: Ich bin müde, weil ich heute früh aufgestanden bin.
  • The conjugated verb moves to the final position: Er sagt, dass er morgen kommt.
  • If there is a separable verb, it stays together at the end: Ich freue mich, wenn du mitkommst.
Conjunction + Subject + ... + Verb (at the end!)

Overview

Mastering German requires moving beyond simple, declarative sentences. The ability to express complex relationships – reasons, conditions, opinions, or reported speech – is fundamental for intermediate learners (B1 CEFR level). This transition is primarily facilitated by subordinate clauses (Nebensätze), which integrate dependent ideas into a main statement.

Among the most frequent and structurally significant are those introduced by weil (because), dass (that), and wenn (if/when).

These conjunctions are not merely connecting words; they are grammatical signals that fundamentally alter the word order within the clause they introduce. The defining characteristic of such a Nebensatz is the displacement of the conjugated finite verb to the absolute end of the clause. Understanding and consistently applying this verb-final rule is crucial for producing grammatically correct and natural-sounding German.

It allows for the construction of nuanced expressions that are central to advanced communication.

How This Grammar Works

German sentences are generally composed of a Hauptsatz (main clause) and, optionally, one or more Nebensätze (subordinate clauses). A Hauptsatz is grammatically independent; it contains a subject and a finite verb and can stand alone as a complete thought. For example, Ich lerne Deutsch. (I learn German.) is a Hauptsatz where the verb lerne occupies the second position, adhering to the standard German V2 word order.
A Nebensatz, in contrast, is grammatically dependent. It cannot stand alone and requires a Hauptsatz to complete its meaning. Subordinating conjunctions like weil, dass, and wenn explicitly mark this dependency.
Their function is to introduce the Nebensatz and link it to the Hauptsatz, clarifying the relationship between the two ideas (e.g., cause, result, condition, content).
The linguistic principle dictating the verb-final position in these Nebensätze serves several purposes. Primarily, it signals to the listener or reader that the clause is subordinate and that the main information – the action or state conveyed by the verb – is yet to come. This creates a sense of anticipation and ensures that all contextual information (subject, objects, adverbials) is presented before the action itself.
This structure provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in complex sentence constructions, a hallmark of German grammatical precision. The verb-final position is not arbitrary; it is an inherent feature of German's hierarchical sentence architecture.

Word Order Rules

The word order within a Nebensatz introduced by weil, dass, or wenn follows a strict pattern that deviates significantly from the Hauptsatz V2 rule. The fundamental principle is that the conjugated finite verb must always be placed at the very end of the subordinate clause. All other sentence elements—subject, objects, and adverbial phrases—precede it.
1. Single Verb Structures:
When the Nebensatz contains only one verb, that verb, in its conjugated form, takes the final position.
  • Ich weiß, dass du morgen kommst. (I know that you tomorrow come.)
  • Sie sind müde, weil sie lange gearbeitet haben. (They are tired because they long worked have.)
2. Multiple Verb Structures:
German frequently uses multiple verbs in a clause, particularly with modal verbs, perfect tenses, future tense, or passive voice constructions. In these cases, all verbs (modal, auxiliary, infinitive, participle) move to the end of the Nebensatz. The conjugated auxiliary or modal verb takes the absolute last position, immediately preceded by the infinitive or participle.
  • Modal Verbs: The modal verb is conjugated and comes last, preceded by the main verb's infinitive.
  • Er kann nicht kommen, weil er arbeiten muss. (He cannot come because he work must.)
  • Ich glaube, dass du das Problem lösen kannst. (I believe that you the problem solve can.)
  • Perfect Tense: The past participle precedes the conjugated auxiliary verb haben or sein, which comes last.
  • Sie sagte, dass sie das Buch gelesen hat. (She said that she the book read has.)
  • Wir wussten, dass er nach Berlin gefahren ist. (We knew that he to Berlin driven is.)
  • Future Tense: The main verb's infinitive precedes the conjugated auxiliary verb werden, which comes last.
  • Ich hoffe, dass es morgen nicht regnen wird. (I hope that it tomorrow not rain will.)
  • Passive Voice: The main verb's past participle precedes werden or sein (if stative passive), which is conjugated and comes last.
  • Es ist wichtig, dass die Aufgabe heute gemacht wird. (It is important that the task today made is.)
  • Ich sehe, dass die Tür geschlossen ist. (I see that the door closed is.)
3. Separable Prefixes:
In Hauptsätzen, verbs with separable prefixes (e.g., anrufen - to call, einkaufen - to shop) split, with the prefix going to the end of the clause (Ich rufe dich an.). In Nebensätzen, however, the prefix and the verb reunite and the entire verb form moves to the end, conjugated.
  • Ich rufe dich an. (Main clause)
  • ...weil ich dich anrufe. (Subordinate clause – not *...weil ich dich an rufe.)
  • Sie kauft heute ein. (Main clause)
  • ...dass sie heute einkauft. (Subordinate clause – not *...dass sie heute ein kauft.)
This consistent verb-final placement in Nebensätzen is a core rule you must internalize for accurate German sentence construction.

Formation Pattern

1
Constructing sentences with subordinate clauses follows a predictable and precise pattern. Recognizing this structure is key to forming grammatically correct complex sentences. The basic blueprint involves a main clause, followed by a comma, the subordinating conjunction, the subject of the subordinate clause, all other elements (objects, adverbs, etc.), and finally, the conjugated verb(s) at the very end.
2
Here is the step-by-step formation:
3
Start with the Hauptsatz (Main Clause): This clause follows the standard German V2 word order (verb in second position). It expresses the primary idea.
4
Example: Ich lerne Deutsch.
5
Add a Comma: In German, a comma (KOMMA) is mandatory between a Hauptsatz and a Nebensatz (and vice versa, if the Nebensatz comes first).
6
Example: Ich lerne Deutsch,
7
Introduce the Subordinating Conjunction: Place weil, dass, or wenn immediately after the comma. This word initiates the Nebensatz and establishes its relationship to the Hauptsatz.
8
Example: Ich lerne Deutsch, weil
9
Insert the Subject of the Nebensatz: This indicates who or what is performing the action in the subordinate clause.
10
Example: Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich
11
Add All Other Elements: Place any direct objects, indirect objects, temporal adverbs, modal adverbs, or locative adverbs here. These elements provide additional context for the verb's action.
12
Example: Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich in Deutschland leben
13
Place the Conjugated Finite Verb(s) at the Very End: This is the most critical step. The conjugated verb, or the entire verb complex (e.g., modal + infinitive, auxiliary + participle), must be the final element(s) of the Nebensatz.
14
Example: Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich in Deutschland leben möchte. (I learn German because I in Germany live want.)
15
General Formula:
16
Hauptsatz (V2), Konjunktion Subjekt [Temporal] [Kausal] [Modal] [Lokal] [Objekt] finite Verb(s).
17
Here is a tabular overview of the structural difference:
18
| Clause Type | Structure (Simplified) | Example |
19
| :------------ | :--------------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------- |
20
| Hauptsatz | Subject V2 [Object] [Adverbial] | Ich gehe spazieren. (I go for a walk.) |
21
| Nebensatz | , Conjunction Subject [Object] [Adverbial] Verb | , weil die Sonne scheint. (because the sun shines.) |
22
This pattern is consistent regardless of the specific subordinating conjunction used from this group. Always remember the comma and the verb's final destination.

When To Use It

The choice of weil, dass, or wenn depends entirely on the logical relationship you wish to establish between the main clause and the subordinate clause. Each conjunction serves a distinct grammatical and semantic function.
1. weil (because): Expressing Cause or Reason
Weil introduces a Nebensatz that provides the reason or cause for the action or state described in the Hauptsatz. It answers the question Warum? (Why?).
  • Wir bleiben zu Hause, weil es regnet. (We stay at home because it rains.)
  • Sie ist glücklich, weil sie ihre Familie bald besucht. (She is happy because she her family soon visits.)
  • Ich kann nicht kommen, weil ich arbeiten muss. (I cannot come because I work must.)
This conjunction is indispensable for explaining motives, causes, or justifications. It contrasts functionally with denn, which also expresses a reason but introduces a Hauptsatz (see Contrast With Similar Patterns).
2. dass (that): Introducing Noun Clauses
Dass introduces a Nebensatz that functions as a noun within the Hauptsatz. These clauses are often called noun clauses or dass-clauses. They typically report speech, express opinions, facts, feelings, or certainty.
They often complete the meaning of verbs like sagen (to say), meinen (to mean/think), wissen (to know), glauben (to believe), finden (to find/think), hoffen (to hope), or adjectives like wichtig (important), gut (good), schön (beautiful).
  • Ich denke, dass Deutsch eine schöne Sprache ist. (I think that German a beautiful language is.)
  • Er hat gesagt, dass er uns später anruft. (He has said that he us later calls.)
  • Es ist wichtig, dass du pünktlich bist. (It is important that you punctual are.)
Dass-clauses are fundamental for indirect speech and conveying information or beliefs without direct quotation.
3. wenn (if, when): Expressing Conditions or Recurring Events
Wenn is versatile and can introduce two main types of Nebensätze:
  • Conditional (if): Expresses a condition under which an action or event in the Hauptsatz will occur. It answers Unter welcher Bedingung? (Under which condition?).
  • Wenn ich Zeit habe, besuche ich dich. (If I time have, visit I you.)
  • Du kannst das Buch haben, wenn du es morgen zurückgibst. (You can the book have if you it tomorrow return.)
  • Temporal (when): Refers to events that happen repeatedly, habitually, or to general truths. It answers Wann? (When?) for recurring actions.
  • Wenn die Sonne scheint, gehen wir spazieren. (When the sun shines, go we for a walk.)
  • Kinder lernen schnell, wenn sie motiviert sind. (Children learn fast when they motivated are.)
It is crucial to distinguish wenn (conditional 'if' or general/repeated 'when') from als (for a single past event 'when' or 'as') and wann (interrogative 'when' in indirect questions).
  • Als ich jung war, spielte ich Fußball. (When I was young, I played football. - single event in the past)
  • Ich frage mich, wann er kommt. (I ask myself when he comes. - indirect question)
Understanding these distinctions ensures you select the appropriate conjunction for precise communication.

Common Mistakes

Learners at the B1 level frequently encounter specific pitfalls when using weil, dass, and wenn clauses. Recognizing these common errors and understanding their underlying grammatical principles is essential for progressive improvement.
1. Verb in Second Position in the Nebensatz:
This is arguably the most common mistake, directly transferring Hauptsatz V2 word order to the Nebensatz. The critical rule is that the conjugated verb must be at the very end.
  • Incorrect: *Ich weiß, dass er ist krank.
  • Correct: Ich weiß, dass er krank ist. (I know that he sick is.)
  • Incorrect: *Wir bleiben drinnen, weil es regnet.
  • Correct: Wir bleiben drinnen, weil es regnet. (We stay inside because it rains.)
This error indicates a lack of internalization of the fundamental dependency structure that Nebensätze imply.
2. Missing or Misplaced Comma:
Unlike English, where comma usage with subordinate clauses can be flexible, German strictly mandates a comma between a Hauptsatz and a Nebensatz.
  • Incorrect: *Ich hoffe dass du kommen kannst.
  • Correct: Ich hoffe, dass du kommen kannst. (I hope that you come can.)
Omitting the comma is a grammatical error in written German and can sometimes lead to momentary confusion in reading.
3. Confusing wenn and wann:
While both translate to 'when' in some contexts, their grammatical functions are distinct:
  • wenn: Introduces a conditional clause ('if') or a temporal clause for recurring events ('when').
  • Ich komme, wenn ich Zeit habe. (I come if I time have.)
  • wann: Introduces an indirect question ('when?').
  • Incorrect: *Ich frage, wenn er kommt.
  • Correct: Ich frage, wann er kommt. (I ask when he comes.)
The wenn/wann distinction is crucial for clear communication, particularly in expressing questions versus conditions or habitual timing.
4. Incorrect Placement of Multiple Verbs:
When auxiliary or modal verbs are present, learners sometimes struggle to place the entire verb complex correctly, often placing the auxiliary too early.
  • Incorrect: *Er sagte, dass er hat das Buch gelesen.
  • Correct: Er sagte, dass er das Buch gelesen hat. (He said that he the book read has.)
Remember: the conjugated (finite) verb is always the very last element in the Nebensatz, with participles or infinitives preceding it.
5. Splitting Separable Verbs:
Forgetting to reunite separable prefixes in Nebensätzen leads to ungrammatical constructions.
  • Incorrect: *Ich weiß, dass er ruft mich an.
  • Correct: Ich weiß, dass er mich anruft. (I know that he me calls.)
This error shows a failure to apply the Nebensatz word order rules comprehensively to all verb types.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

German grammar includes various conjunctions that link clauses, but not all of them impose the verb-final word order. It is crucial to distinguish subordinating conjunctions (weil, dass, wenn) from coordinating conjunctions and adverbial conjunctions, as their impact on sentence structure is fundamentally different.

1. Coordinating Conjunctions (ADUSO): aber, denn, und, sondern, oder

These five conjunctions connect two independent main clauses (Hauptsätze). They are often referred to as

Subordinate Clause Structure

Position 1 Position 2 Middle End (Verb)
Conjunction
Subject
Objects/Adverbs
Conjugated Verb
weil
ich
heute
arbeite
dass
er
nach Hause
geht
wenn
wir
Zeit
haben

Meanings

Subordinating conjunctions connect a main clause to a subordinate clause, which cannot stand alone. They fundamentally change the sentence structure by pushing the verb to the end.

1

Causal (weil)

Explaining a reason or cause.

“Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich in Berlin arbeiten möchte.”

“Er ist traurig, weil er seinen Schlüssel verloren hat.”

2

Declarative (dass)

Introducing a statement or fact.

“Ich weiß, dass du recht hast.”

“Sie sagt, dass sie später kommt.”

3

Conditional/Temporal (wenn)

Expressing a condition or a recurring event in the past/present.

“Wenn ich Zeit habe, lese ich ein Buch.”

“Ich rufe dich an, wenn ich zu Hause bin.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Subordinate Clauses: The Verb Kickers (weil, dass, wenn)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Conj + Subj + ... + Verb
Ich weiß, dass er kommt.
Negative
Conj + Subj + ... + nicht + Verb
Ich weiß, dass er nicht kommt.
Modal Verb
Conj + Subj + ... + Modal + Inf
Ich weiß, dass er kommen muss.
Separable
Conj + Subj + ... + Prefix+Verb
Ich weiß, dass er mitkommt.
Perfect
Conj + Subj + ... + Participle + Aux
Ich weiß, dass er gekommen ist.
Question (Indirect)
Conj + Subj + ... + Verb
Ich frage mich, ob er kommt.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Ich komme, weil ich Zeit habe.

Ich komme, weil ich Zeit habe. (General)

Neutral
Ich komme, weil ich Zeit habe.

Ich komme, weil ich Zeit habe. (General)

Informal
Ich komm, weil ich Zeit hab.

Ich komm, weil ich Zeit hab. (General)

Slang
Ich komm, weil ich Zeit hab.

Ich komm, weil ich Zeit hab. (General)

The Verb Kicker Magnet

Subordinating Conjunction

Effect

  • Verb-Final Verb moves to the end

Result

  • Nebensatz Subordinate clause
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Examples by Level

1

Ich lerne, weil ich Deutsch mag.

I learn because I like German.

2

Ich weiß, dass du kommst.

I know that you are coming.

3

Wenn ich Zeit habe, lerne ich.

When I have time, I study.

4

Ich bin froh, dass du da bist.

I am glad that you are here.

1

Er sagt, dass er heute nicht arbeiten kann.

He says that he cannot work today.

2

Wir bleiben zu Hause, weil es regnet.

We stay home because it is raining.

3

Wenn es warm ist, gehen wir schwimmen.

When it is warm, we go swimming.

4

Ich hoffe, dass du mich verstehst.

I hope that you understand me.

1

Obwohl er müde war, hat er die Arbeit beendet.

Although he was tired, he finished the work.

2

Ich frage mich, ob er morgen kommen wird.

I wonder if he will come tomorrow.

3

Während ich koche, hört meine {die|f} Schwester Musik.

While I cook, my sister listens to music.

4

Da ich keine Zeit habe, komme ich nicht mit.

Since I have no time, I am not coming along.

1

Es ist bemerkenswert, dass er trotz der Schwierigkeiten erfolgreich war.

It is remarkable that he was successful despite the difficulties.

2

Wenn man bedenkt, wie viel er gearbeitet hat, ist das Ergebnis logisch.

When one considers how much he worked, the result is logical.

3

Ich war überrascht, dass er sich nicht gemeldet hat.

I was surprised that he didn't get in touch.

4

Weil er den Zug verpasst hatte, kam er zu spät.

Because he had missed the train, he arrived late.

1

Insofern als die Daten korrekt sind, können wir fortfahren.

Insofar as the data is correct, we can proceed.

2

Dass er diese Entscheidung getroffen hat, zeugt von großem Mut.

That he made this decision shows great courage.

3

Wenn auch die Umstände schwierig waren, so haben wir doch gewonnen.

Even though the circumstances were difficult, we won.

4

Indem er das Problem direkt ansprach, löste er den Konflikt.

By addressing the problem directly, he solved the conflict.

1

Dass es sich hierbei um ein komplexes Phänomen handelt, ist unbestritten.

That this is a complex phenomenon is undisputed.

2

Wenn man davon ausgeht, dass die Hypothese stimmt, ergibt sich folgendes Bild.

Assuming that the hypothesis is correct, the following picture emerges.

3

Obgleich er sich stets bemüht hat, blieb der Erfolg aus.

Although he always tried, success did not come.

4

Sofern die Bedingungen erfüllt sind, wird der Vertrag unterzeichnet.

Provided the conditions are met, the contract will be signed.

Easily Confused

Subordinate Clauses: The Verb Kickers (weil, dass, wenn) vs weil vs. denn

Both mean 'because', but 'denn' is a coordinating conjunction.

Subordinate Clauses: The Verb Kickers (weil, dass, wenn) vs wenn vs. als

Both mean 'when', but 'als' is for one-time past events.

Subordinate Clauses: The Verb Kickers (weil, dass, wenn) vs dass vs. das

They sound the same but have different functions.

Common Mistakes

✗

Ich lerne, weil ich mag Deutsch.

✓

Ich lerne, weil ich Deutsch mag.

Verb must be at the end.
✗

Ich weiß dass du kommst.

✓

Ich weiß, dass du kommst.

Missing comma.
✗

Wenn ich habe Zeit, lerne ich.

✓

Wenn ich Zeit habe, lerne ich.

Verb must be at the end.
✗

Ich bin müde weil ich arbeite.

✓

Ich bin müde, weil ich arbeite.

Missing comma.
✗

Er sagt, dass er kann nicht kommen.

✓

Er sagt, dass er nicht kommen kann.

Verb must be at the end.
✗

Ich weiß, dass er mit kommt.

✓

Ich weiß, dass er mitkommt.

Separable verb must be one word.
✗

Weil es ist kalt, bleibe ich.

✓

Weil es kalt ist, bleibe ich.

Verb must be at the end.
✗

Ich weiß, dass er hat das gemacht.

✓

Ich weiß, dass er das gemacht hat.

Auxiliary verb must be at the very end.
✗

Obwohl er ist krank, arbeitet er.

✓

Obwohl er krank ist, arbeitet er.

Verb must be at the end.
✗

Ich frage mich, ob kommt er.

✓

Ich frage mich, ob er kommt.

Subject must precede verb.
✗

Dass er das getan hat, ist es klar.

✓

Dass er das getan hat, ist klar.

Redundant pronoun.
✗

Wenn auch er ist müde, arbeitet er.

✓

Wenn auch er müde ist, arbeitet er.

Verb at end.

Sentence Patterns

Ich glaube, dass ___ ___ .

___ , weil ich ___ ___ .

Wenn ich ___ , ___ ich ___ .

Obwohl ___ , ___ er ___ .

Real World Usage

Social Media very common

Ich poste das, weil ich es mag.

Texting constant

Sag mir, dass du kommst.

Job Interview common

Ich glaube, dass ich gut passe.

Travel common

Wenn der Zug kommt, steige ich ein.

Food Delivery common

Ich bestelle, wenn ich Hunger habe.

Email very common

Ich schreibe Ihnen, weil ich Fragen habe.

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💡

The Comma Rule

Always put a comma before 'weil', 'dass', and 'wenn'. It helps the reader see the clause structure.
⚠️

Don't forget the verb

If you have a modal verb, the infinitive goes to the very end, and the modal verb is placed just before it.
🎯

Separable Verbs

Keep the prefix attached to the verb at the end. Don't split them!
💬

Spoken vs. Written

In casual speech, some people ignore the verb-final rule, but in writing, you must follow it.

Smart Tips

Immediately think: 'Verb to the end!'

Ich weiß, dass er kommt heute. → Ich weiß, dass er heute kommt.

Don't split the prefix from the verb.

Ich weiß, dass er kommt mit. → Ich weiß, dass er mitkommt.

Put the modal verb at the very end.

Ich weiß, dass er muss kommen. → Ich weiß, dass er kommen muss.

Always check your commas before conjunctions.

Ich schreibe Ihnen weil ich Fragen habe. → Ich schreibe Ihnen, weil ich Fragen habe.

Pronunciation

Ich lerne [pause] weil...

Comma pause

Always pause slightly before the conjunction.

Rising-Falling

Ich lerne, weil ich Deutsch mag ↘

Signals the end of the thought.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the conjunction as a 'Verb Kicker' wearing soccer cleats. It kicks the verb all the way to the back of the line!

Visual Association

Imagine a line of people (the sentence). The conjunction walks up and kicks the person at the front (the verb) to the very end of the line.

Rhyme

Conjunctions are the kickers, they send the verb to the back of the flickers.

Story

Hans was a normal verb, sitting in the second seat. Suddenly, 'weil' arrived and shouted 'Move!'. Hans flew to the end of the sentence. Now he is happy at the back.

Word Web

weildasswennobwährendobwohlda

Challenge

Write 5 sentences about your day using 'weil' and 'dass'. Check if your verb is at the end!

Cultural Notes

In spoken German, especially in the Ruhr area, people sometimes use main-clause word order after 'weil'. This is technically incorrect but very common.

Austrian German is generally more formal with word order in writing.

Swiss German speakers often use 'dass' clauses very precisely.

These conjunctions evolved from older Germanic particles that functioned as markers for subordinate clauses.

Conversation Starters

“

Warum lernst du Deutsch?

“

Was denkst du, dass heute passiert?

“

Was machst du, wenn du frei hast?

“

Glaubst du, dass das Wetter morgen besser wird?

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über deinen Tag.
Was sind deine Pläne für das Wochenende?
Was ist deine Meinung zu Social Media?
Beschreibe eine schwierige Situation.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the correct verb position.

Ich weiß, dass er heute ___ (kommen).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: kommt
Verb must be at the end.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ich lerne, weil ich mag Deutsch.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich lerne, weil ich Deutsch mag.
Verb must be at the end.
Choose the correct word order. Multiple Choice

Wenn ich Zeit habe, ___ ich.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: lerne ich
After a subordinate clause, the main clause starts with the verb.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich weiß, dass er kommt.
Standard subordinate structure.
Translate to German. Translation

I know that he is working.

Answer starts with: Ich...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich weiß, dass er arbeitet.
Verb at end.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Warum gehst du? B: Ich gehe, weil ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ich müde bin
Verb at end.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

weil / ich / müde / bin

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: weil ich müde bin
Verb at end.
Sort the clauses. Grammar Sorting

Which is a subordinate clause?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: weil ich lerne
Starts with a subordinating conjunction.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the correct verb position.

Ich weiß, dass er heute ___ (kommen).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: kommt
Verb must be at the end.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ich lerne, weil ich mag Deutsch.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich lerne, weil ich Deutsch mag.
Verb must be at the end.
Choose the correct word order. Multiple Choice

Wenn ich Zeit habe, ___ ich.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: lerne ich
After a subordinate clause, the main clause starts with the verb.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

dass / er / weiß / kommt / ich

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich weiß, dass er kommt.
Standard subordinate structure.
Translate to German. Translation

I know that he is working.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich weiß, dass er arbeitet.
Verb at end.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Warum gehst du? B: Ich gehe, weil ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ich müde bin
Verb at end.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

weil / ich / müde / bin

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: weil ich müde bin
Verb at end.
Sort the clauses. Grammar Sorting

Which is a subordinate clause?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: weil ich lerne
Starts with a subordinating conjunction.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

13 exercises
Fill in the correct connector. Fill in the Blank

Ich lerne Deutsch, ___ ich in Deutschland arbeiten will.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: weil
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

dass / ich / glaube / er / kommt / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich glaube, dass er kommt.
Select the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Why are you crying?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Weil ich traurig bin.
Fix the word order. Error Correction

Er sagt, dass er hat keinen Hunger.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er sagt, dass er keinen Hunger hat.
Match the sentence halves. Match Pairs

Match the start to the logical end.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {"Ich esse,":"weil ich Hunger habe.","Ich trinke,":"weil ich Durst habe."}
Translate 'because' into German. Translation

I am happy **because** I have coffee.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: weil
Insert the verb. Fill in the Blank

Wir gehen nach Hause, weil es spät ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ist
Which word order is right? Multiple Choice

Is it nice?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ja, wenn die Sonne scheint.
Find the error. Error Correction

Ich hoffe, dass du kommst zur Party.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich hoffe, dass du zur Party kommst.
Unscramble the sentence. Sentence Reorder

weil / ist / teuer / das Auto / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ..., weil das Auto teuer ist.
Complete the 'that' clause. Fill in the Blank

Sie sagt, ___ sie glücklich ist.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: dass
Choose the correct connector. Multiple Choice

I don't play **if** I lose.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: wenn
Match the connector to the verb position. Match Pairs

Where does the verb go?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {"und":"Position 2","weil":"End"}

Score: /13

FAQ (8)

It's a grammatical marker that signals the start of a subordinate clause.

Only to subordinating conjunctions like 'weil', 'dass', 'wenn'.

The prefix stays attached to the verb at the end.

Some do, but it's better to stick to the rule.

Yes, always.

The conjugated verb goes to the very end.

Write sentences and check your verb position.

It takes practice, but it's a consistent rule.

Scaffolded Practice

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2

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Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish low

porque

German kicks the verb to the end; Spanish does not.

French low

parce que

German syntax is verb-final in subordinate clauses.

English low

because

German requires a structural shift.

Japanese high

kara

Japanese is always verb-final, while German is only verb-final in subordinate clauses.

Arabic moderate

li-anna

German verb-final rule is unique.

Chinese low

yinwei

German requires conjugation and word order shifts.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
German Word Order: The Verb-Final Rule (weil, dass, wenn)

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