A2 Conjunctions & Connectors 17 min read Easy

German Conjunction 'dass' (Verb-Kicker)

Use dass after a comma to introduce a statement, and always move the verb to the end.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

The conjunction 'dass' introduces a subordinate clause and forces the conjugated verb to the very end of that clause.

  • Use 'dass' to connect a main clause to a subordinate clause: Ich weiß, dass er kommt.
  • The conjugated verb must move to the end of the 'dass' clause: Ich glaube, dass er heute nicht arbeitet.
  • Always place a comma before 'dass': Er sagt, dass er müde ist.
Main Clause + , + dass + Subject + ... + Verb(end)

Overview

In German, the conjunction dass functions as a critical structural element, introducing subordinate clauses that complete or clarify the main clause. Often translated as "that" in English, dass is indispensable for expressing complex thoughts, reporting facts, or conveying opinions and emotions. Its usage is a hallmark of more sophisticated German sentence construction, moving beyond simple declarative statements to embed one complete idea within another.

Mastering dass at the A2 level signifies your ability to link information logically and grammatically.

Critically, dass irrevocably alters the word order of its clause: the conjugated verb always shifts to the absolute end. This linguistic phenomenon, known as Verb-Endstellung (verb-final position), is a fundamental characteristic of German syntax for subordinate clauses. Unlike English, where "that" is often optional (e.g., "I think you are right"), dass and a preceding comma are mandatory in German.

This strict adherence ensures grammatical clarity and precision, guiding the listener or reader through the sentence's structure. Understanding this specific word order is not merely memorizing a rule; it is grasping a core principle of German that enables richer, more articulate communication.

How This Grammar Works

The grammatical function of dass is to introduce a noun clause (Nominalsatz). This subordinate clause acts much like a noun or pronoun would in a sentence, typically serving as the object or occasionally the subject of the main clause's verb or an impersonal expression. For instance, in Ich weiß, dass du müde bist. (I know that you are tired.), the dass-clause dass du müde bist specifies what you know.
It cannot stand alone; it is grammatically dependent on the main clause (Ich weiß).
The most distinctive and often challenging aspect of dass-clauses is their verb-final word order. In a typical German main clause, the conjugated verb occupies the second position (V2 order), as seen in Du bist müde. (You are tired.). However, dass acts as a subordinating conjunction, signaling that the entire clause it introduces is grammatically secondary and must adhere to Verb-Endstellung.
This means the conjugated verb is displaced from its usual V2 position and moved to the final slot. This construction creates a sense of anticipation, requiring the listener to await the verb to fully comprehend the action or state described within the subordinate clause. This tendency to place crucial information, like the verb, at the end allows preceding elements to establish context and emphasis.
Furthermore, a mandatory comma (Komma) must always precede dass. This comma serves as a crucial grammatical and visual separator, clearly delineating the boundary between the main clause and the subordinate dass-clause. It signals the imminent shift in word order and prevents misinterpretations.
Omitting this comma is considered a significant grammatical error in written German. Despite its final position, the verb within the dass-clause must still be correctly conjugated to agree with its subject in person and number. This maintains grammatical coherence even with the altered word order.
For example, Er glaubt, dass sie kommt. (He believes that she is coming.) correctly conjugates kommen for sie to kommt at the end.
Consider the fundamental structural contrast:
  • Main Clause (V2 order): Ich glaube es. (I believe it.) – The verb glaube is in the second position.
  • dass-Clause (Verb-final): Ich glaube, dass du Recht hast. (I believe that you are right.) – The conjugated verb hast is at the very end of the dass-clause. The comma (,) signals this structural transformation.

Formation Pattern

1
Constructing a dass-clause involves a precise, formulaic approach. You begin with a complete main clause (Hauptsatz) that expresses the primary idea. This is invariably followed by a comma, then the conjunction dass, which initiates the subordinate clause (Nebensatz). Within this dass-clause, the subject comes first, followed by any objects, adverbs, or other descriptive elements. Crucially, the conjugated verb of the subordinate clause is placed at its absolute end. If the clause contains multiple verbs (e.g., with modal verbs or compound tenses), specific placement rules apply to ensure the correct final position of the conjugated element.
2
General formula:
3
Main Clause (,) dass Subject (...) Other Elements (...) Conjugated Verb (.)
4
Let's examine this pattern across different verb structures:
5
Simple Verbs: The single conjugated verb moves to the end.
6
Ich weiß, dass du Deutsch lernst. (I know that you are learning German.) Here, lernst is the conjugated verb of the dass-clause, positioned finally.
7
Wir hoffen, dass es nicht regnet. (We hope that it doesn't rain.) regnet is at the end, negated by nicht preceding it.
8
Separable Verbs: When a separable verb (e.g., anrufen – to call) appears in a dass-clause, its prefix reattaches to the verb stem, forming a single unit that occupies the final position.
9
Er sagt, dass er dich heute Abend anruft. (He says that he is calling you this evening.) The prefix an- reattaches to ruft, and anruft forms the final verbal unit.
10
In contrast, in a main clause, it separates: Er ruft dich heute Abend an. (He calls you this evening.)
11
Modal Verbs: In sentences containing a modal verb (e.g., können – can, wollen – want, müssen – must), the conjugated modal verb moves to the very end of the dass-clause. The main verb remains in its infinitive form and directly precedes the modal.
12
Sie hofft, dass sie morgen kommen kann. (She hopes that she can come tomorrow.) The infinitive kommen precedes the conjugated modal kann at the end.
13
Ich weiß, dass du das verstehen musst. (I know that you must understand that.) verstehen comes before musst.
14
Compound Tenses (Perfekt, Plusquamperfekt, Futur I/II): For these tenses, the auxiliary verb (haben, sein, werden) is conjugated and moves to the final position. The past participle (for Perfekt/Plusquamperfekt) or the infinitive (for Futur I/II) comes immediately before the auxiliary.
15
Perfekt: Wir denken, dass er die Nachricht gelesen hat. (We think that he has read the message.) gelesen (past participle) precedes hat (conjugated auxiliary).
16
Futur I: Sie glaubt, dass es regnen wird. (She believes that it will rain.) regnen (infinitive) precedes wird (conjugated auxiliary).
17
This structured approach ensures clarity and allows for the correct construction of even complex German sentences. The following table summarizes the key word order differences for comparison:
18
| Clause Type | Structure | Example (Main Verb) | Example (Modal Verb) | Example (Perfekt) |
19
| :--------------- | :--------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------ |
20
| Main Clause | Subject - Verb - Object/Adverbial | Ich lerne Deutsch. | Ich kann Deutsch lernen. | Ich habe Deutsch gelernt. |
21
| dass-Clause | dass - Subject - Object/Adverbial - Conj. Verb | dass ich Deutsch lerne. | dass ich Deutsch lernen kann. | dass ich Deutsch gelernt habe. |

When To Use It

The dass-clause functions as a noun clause, effectively replacing a noun or pronoun that would serve as the grammatical object or subject of the main clause. You primarily use dass to introduce a statement, report a fact, express an opinion, or convey emotions, beliefs, or wishes related to a specific situation. It typically follows verbs and expressions that deal with mental processes, communication, emotions, certainty, or probability.
Recognizing these trigger verbs and expressions is crucial for correctly applying dass.
Here are the main categories of verbs and phrases that commonly precede a dass-clause:
  • Verbs of Knowing, Thinking, Believing, Finding: These introduce information or a personal assessment.
  • wissen (to know): Ich weiß, dass er heute kommt. (I know that he is coming today.)
  • glauben (to believe): Sie glaubt, dass es regnen wird. (She believes that it will rain.)
  • finden (to find/think): Ich finde, dass du Recht hast. (I find/think that you are right.) This often expresses a strong opinion.
  • Verbs of Speaking, Reporting, Stating: These introduce reported speech or facts.
  • sagen (to say): Er sagt, dass er keine Zeit hat. (He says that he has no time.)
  • erzählen (to tell): Sie erzählte, dass sie in Berlin war. (She told that she was in Berlin.)
  • berichten (to report): Der Lehrer berichtet, dass die Schüler fleißig sind. (The teacher reports that the students are diligent.)
  • Verbs and Expressions of Feeling, Emotion, Desire: These indicate emotional states or hopes/fears related to a situation.
  • sich freuen (to be happy/look forward to): Ich freue mich, dass du da bist. (I am happy that you are here.)
  • bedauern (to regret): Wir bedauern, dass wir nicht helfen können. (We regret that we cannot help.)
  • hoffen (to hope): Ich hoffe, dass alles gut geht. (I hope that everything goes well.)
  • Impersonal Expressions: These often use es ist... (it is...) or es scheint... (it seems...). The dass-clause often functions as the subject in these constructions, explaining what is a certain way.
  • Es ist wichtig, dass wir pünktlich sind. (It is important that we are on time.) Here, the dass-clause is the subject of ist wichtig.
  • Es ist schade, dass er nicht kommen kann. (It is a pity that he cannot come.)
  • Es scheint, dass sie müde ist. (It seems that she is tired.)
By employing dass, you transform a simple statement into a more complex, nuanced expression that provides context and connects ideas, making your German sound more sophisticated and precise. It enables you to embed one complete thought within another, enriching the overall meaning and allowing for the clear articulation of information or perspectives.

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently encounter several specific pitfalls when using dass. Being aware of these common errors and understanding their underlying causes is the most effective way to avoid them and achieve grammatical accuracy in German.
  1. 1Confusing das and dass: This is arguably the most common error, stemming from their identical pronunciation and the subtle difference in spelling (single vs. double 's'). They are distinct grammatical entities.
  • das (with one 's') can be:
  • The definite article das for neuter nouns (das Haus, das Kind).
  • A demonstrative pronoun (this/that one): Das ist mein Buch. (That is my book.) It points to something.
  • A relative pronoun (which/that): Das Buch, das auf dem Tisch liegt, ist neu. (The book that lies on the table is new.) It refers back to a specific noun.
  • dass (with double 's') is always a subordinating conjunction (that). It solely introduces a noun clause that provides content and never refers back to a preceding noun. It functions as a pure connector.
The "replace with dieses or welches" test: A reliable method is to check if you can substitute dieses (this one) or welches (which one) for the word in question. If the substitution makes sense, use das (one 's'). If not, and it introduces a content-bearing subordinate clause, use dass (double 's').
| Test: Can you replace it with dieses / welches? | Result | Example | Correct Usage |
| :------------------------------------------------- | :----- | :--------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------ |
| Yes (dieses ist mein Haus.) | das | Das ist mein Haus. | Das ist mein Haus. |
| Yes (Das Buch, welches ich lese.) | das | Das Buch, das ich lese. | Das Buch, das ich lese. |
| No (Ich weiß, welches du kommst.) | dass | Ich weiß, dass du kommst. (Cannot replace.) | Ich weiß, dass du kommst. |
  1. 1Forgetting the Mandatory Comma: In German, the comma before dass is not optional. Its absence is a strict grammatical error. This comma visually and structurally delimits the main clause from the subordinate clause, indicating the shift to verb-final word order. Incorrect: Ich glaube dass er Recht hat.; Correct: Ich glaube, dass er Recht hat.
  1. 1Incorrect Verb Placement: The most frequent word order error is failing to place the conjugated verb at the very end of the dass-clause. Learners often unconsciously revert to the familiar V2 main clause order. Incorrect: Ich weiß, dass du lernst Deutsch.; Correct: Ich weiß, dass du Deutsch lernst. Remember that all other elements (objects, adverbs, etc.) precede the verb.
  1. 1Incorrect Verb Conjugation within the dass-clause: While the verb moves to the end, it must still agree in person and number with the subject of the dass-clause. Incorrect: Sie sagt, dass er kommen.; Correct: Sie sagt, dass er kommt. (conjugated kommt for er).
  1. 1Using dass for Indirect Questions: For indirect questions (e.g., "I don't know if/whether..."), the conjunction ob (if/whether) is used, not dass. dass implies a statement of fact or content. Incorrect: Ich weiß nicht, dass er kommt. (implies "I don't know that he is coming" – a fact); Correct: Ich weiß nicht, ob er kommt. (implies "I don't know if he is coming" – a question).
By systematically addressing these specific error patterns and applying the provided tests, you can significantly enhance your accuracy when employing dass.

Real Conversations

dass-clauses are pervasive in everyday German communication, enabling speakers to convey complex information, nuanced opinions, and reported speech with precision across various registers, from casual chats to formal correspondence. Their natural integration is a key indicator of fluency.

- Expressing Opinions and Beliefs (Casual/Informal): Even in informal contexts, dass provides structure. In text messages, a comma might occasionally be omitted by native speakers for brevity, but grammatically it should always be present.

- Text: Ich denk, dass das echt gut wird! (I think that this will be really good!)

- Spoken: Ich finde es super, dass du mitkommst. (I find it great that you are coming along.)

- Reporting Information (Formal/Work Context): dass-clauses are essential for formal communication, ensuring clarity in conveying facts or decisions.

- Email: Ich möchte Sie informieren, dass die Besprechung verschoben wurde. (I would like to inform you that the meeting has been postponed.)

- Meeting: Man hat entschieden, dass wir die Frist verlängern müssen. (It has been decided that we must extend the deadline.)

- Expressing Emotions or Wishes (Personal): dass allows for detailed expression of feelings about a situation.

- Call: Es freut mich sehr, dass ihr uns besuchen kommt. (I am very happy that you are coming to visit us.)

- Card: Ich wünsche dir, dass all deine Träume in Erfüllung gehen. (I wish you that all your dreams come true.)

- Explaining Reasons or Context (Everyday Talk): Often used after impersonal phrases to elaborate on a situation.

- Das Problem ist, dass wir nicht genug Zeit haben. (The problem is that we don't have enough time.)

- Es ist wichtig, dass du die Anweisungen liest. (It is important that you read the instructions.)

Native speakers use dass-clauses instinctively, their verb-final structure deeply ingrained in their linguistic intuition. While the comma might be less audibly distinct in rapid spoken German, the grammatical separation and the Verb-Endstellung remain intact. This ability to integrate dass-clauses correctly is a critical step towards conversational fluency, facilitating articulate and coherent expression of complex ideas. The emphasis on precise grammatical markers in dass-clauses aligns with a cultural value often observed in German communication for clarity and unambiguous expression.

Quick FAQ

  • Q: Can a sentence start with dass?
  • A: Yes, grammatically this is correct, but it is less common in everyday spoken German and tends to sound more formal or emphatic. The dass-clause acts as the subject of the main clause. For example: Dass er so schnell war, überraschte mich. (That he was so fast, surprised me.) The main clause verb (überraschte) then takes the second position after the initial dass-clause.
  • Q: Is the comma before dass truly mandatory?
  • A: Absolutely. In standard written German, the comma before dass is non-negotiable. Its function is to clearly separate the main clause from the subordinate dass-clause, which features the distinctive verb-final word order. While extremely informal written communication (like texts) might occasionally omit it, for learners, it is a strict rule to always include it.
  • Q: What happens to separable verbs in a dass-clause?
  • A: In a dass-clause, the prefix of a separable verb (Trennbares Verb) reattaches to its verb stem. The combined unit then moves to the absolute end of the clause. For instance, the main clause Ich rufe dich an. (I call you – anrufen) becomes dass ich dich anrufe. in a dass-clause.
  • Q: Does dass change the tense of the verb in the subordinate clause?
  • A: No, dass exclusively affects the word order, specifically moving the conjugated verb to the end. The tense of the verb within the dass-clause is determined by the actual time frame of the action or state you wish to convey, independent of the dass conjunction itself. For example, Ich weiß, dass er gekommen ist. (I know that he has come.) correctly uses the Perfekt tense within the dass-clause.
  • Q: Can dass be used after any verb?
  • A: Not any verb. dass is specifically used after verbs and expressions that introduce a factual statement, an opinion, a report, an emotion, or a desire. These are typically verbs of mental activity (denken, wissen), communication (sagen, berichten), or feeling (sich freuen, hoffen), as detailed in the "When To Use It" section. You would not use dass after a verb that takes a direct object unless that object is itself a dass-clause.
  • Q: Is dass frequently used in spoken German?
  • A: Yes, dass is a fundamental and very common conjunction in both spoken and written German. It is integral to constructing complex sentences and expressing nuanced ideas, making it a constant presence in everyday conversations, media, and literature. Its correct use is crucial for sounding natural and articulate.
  • Q: Is there a way to avoid the verb-final rule if I use dass?
  • A: No. The verb-final word order is an inherent and unchangeable characteristic of all subordinate clauses introduced by subordinating conjunctions in German, including dass. If you wish to maintain the V2 word order, you must use a main clause or a main clause connected by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., und, aber, oder, denn, sondern), none of which introduce subordinate clauses.
  • Q: How can I remember the difference between das and dass?
  • A: A simple mnemonic: dass (with two 's's) is a conjunction that connects clauses, similar to how the two 's's are joined. If you can apply the "replace with dieses or welches" test (as explained in "Common Mistakes") and it works, then use das. If it's a pure connector for a content clause and the test fails, then it must be dass. Think of dass as the English that when that cannot be replaced by which or this.
  • Q: How does dass contrast with the zu + infinitive construction?
  • A: The zu + infinitive construction (e.g., Ich hoffe, dich bald zu sehen. – I hope to see you soon.) is an alternative for expressing intentions or goals, particularly when the subject of the main clause and the subject of the implied action in the subordinate part are the same. For instance, Ich hoffe, dass ich dich bald sehe. (ich is the subject of both hoffe and sehe) can often be rephrased with zu + infinitive. dass offers more flexibility, allowing for different subjects in the main and subordinate clauses (Ich hoffe, dass du mich bald besuchst.), and is generally simpler for beginners. The zu + infinitive structure, when applicable, can sometimes sound more concise and elegant, but dass is the more broadly applicable connector for noun clauses.

Structure of a 'dass' Clause

Main Clause Comma Conjunction Subject Middle Verb (End)
Ich weiß
,
dass
er
heute
kommt
Sie sagt
,
dass
sie
müde
ist
Wir hoffen
,
dass
ihr
uns
helft
Er glaubt
,
dass
das
gut
ist
Ich sehe
,
dass
er
nicht
arbeitet
Es ist klar
,
dass
wir
gewinnen
werden

Meanings

The conjunction 'dass' (that) is used to introduce subordinate clauses that act as the object of a main clause verb.

1

Declarative content

Introducing a statement or fact.

“Ich weiß, dass er kommt.”

“Sie sagt, dass sie keine Zeit hat.”

2

Emotional/Mental state

Expressing feelings or opinions about a fact.

“Ich freue mich, dass du da bist.”

“Ich finde, dass das Essen gut schmeckt.”

Reference Table

Reference table for German Conjunction 'dass' (Verb-Kicker)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Main + , + dass + S + O + V
Ich weiß, dass er kommt.
Negative
Main + , + dass + S + nicht + V
Ich weiß, dass er nicht kommt.
Modal Verb
Main + , + dass + S + O + Inf + Modal
Ich weiß, dass er kommen muss.
Separable
Main + , + dass + S + O + Prefix + Verb
Ich weiß, dass er ankommt.
Past Tense
Main + , + dass + S + O + Participle + Aux
Ich weiß, dass er gekommen ist.
Passive
Main + , + dass + S + O + Participle + werden
Ich weiß, dass er gelobt wird.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Ich nehme an, dass er erscheinen wird.

Ich nehme an, dass er erscheinen wird. (Expressing an opinion)

Neutral
Ich glaube, dass er kommt.

Ich glaube, dass er kommt. (Expressing an opinion)

Informal
Ich denke, dass er kommt.

Ich denke, dass er kommt. (Expressing an opinion)

Slang
Ich glaub, der kommt.

Ich glaub, der kommt. (Expressing an opinion)

The 'dass' Bridge

dass

Function

  • Verbindung Connection

Effect

  • Verb-Kicker Verb-Kicker

Punctuation

  • Komma Comma

Examples by Level

1

Ich weiß, dass er kommt.

I know that he is coming.

2

Sie sagt, dass sie müde ist.

She says that she is tired.

3

Ich hoffe, dass es regnet.

I hope that it rains.

4

Er glaubt, dass das gut ist.

He believes that is good.

1

Ich finde, dass wir heute lernen müssen.

I think that we must study today.

2

Es ist wichtig, dass du {der|m} Text liest.

It is important that you read the text.

3

Ich freue mich, dass du kommst.

I am happy that you are coming.

4

Er hat gesagt, dass er keine Zeit hat.

He said that he has no time.

1

Es ist schade, dass das Wetter so schlecht ist.

It is a pity that the weather is so bad.

2

Ich bin mir sicher, dass er die Prüfung besteht.

I am sure that he will pass the exam.

3

Sie hat betont, dass Pünktlichkeit wichtig ist.

She emphasized that punctuality is important.

4

Es wundert mich, dass er noch nicht da ist.

It surprises me that he is not here yet.

1

Man kann nicht leugnen, dass die Situation schwierig ist.

One cannot deny that the situation is difficult.

2

Es wird erwartet, dass alle Teilnehmer pünktlich erscheinen.

It is expected that all participants arrive on time.

3

Ich bin davon überzeugt, dass wir das schaffen können.

I am convinced that we can manage that.

4

Es ist bemerkenswert, dass er so schnell gelernt hat.

It is remarkable that he learned so quickly.

1

Es liegt auf der Hand, dass diese Entscheidung Konsequenzen haben wird.

It is obvious that this decision will have consequences.

2

Es ist unerlässlich, dass wir die Sicherheitsvorkehrungen überprüfen.

It is essential that we check the safety measures.

3

Man muss berücksichtigen, dass die Kosten steigen könnten.

One must consider that the costs could rise.

4

Es ist fraglich, dass diese Methode zum Erfolg führt.

It is questionable that this method leads to success.

1

Es ist evident, dass die sozioökonomischen Faktoren eine zentrale Rolle spielen.

It is evident that socioeconomic factors play a central role.

2

Es ist keineswegs selbstverständlich, dass solche Projekte gefördert werden.

It is by no means a matter of course that such projects are funded.

3

Es ist bedauerlich, dass die ursprüngliche Intention verloren gegangen ist.

It is regrettable that the original intention has been lost.

4

Es ist unabdingbar, dass die Transparenz gewahrt bleibt.

It is indispensable that transparency is maintained.

Easily Confused

German Conjunction 'dass' (Verb-Kicker) vs dass vs. das

They sound identical and are often mixed up by beginners.

German Conjunction 'dass' (Verb-Kicker) vs dass vs. weil

Both are subordinating conjunctions that kick the verb to the end.

German Conjunction 'dass' (Verb-Kicker) vs dass vs. ob

Both introduce subordinate clauses.

Common Mistakes

Ich weiß, dass kommt er.

Ich weiß, dass er kommt.

Verb must be at the end.

Ich weiß dass er kommt.

Ich weiß, dass er kommt.

Missing comma.

Ich weiß, das er kommt.

Ich weiß, dass er kommt.

Confusing 'das' and 'dass'.

Ich weiß, dass er ist müde.

Ich weiß, dass er müde ist.

Verb at the end.

Er sagt, dass er hat Zeit.

Er sagt, dass er Zeit hat.

Verb at the end.

Ich hoffe, dass du kommst morgen.

Ich hoffe, dass du morgen kommst.

Time before verb.

Sie denkt, dass er ist gegangen.

Sie denkt, dass er gegangen ist.

Auxiliary verb at the end.

Er meint, dass er kann das machen.

Er meint, dass er das machen kann.

Modal verb at the end.

Ich weiß, dass er an kommt.

Ich weiß, dass er ankommt.

Separable verb must be one word.

Es ist klar, dass er hat es gewusst.

Es ist klar, dass er es gewusst hat.

Verb at the end.

Es ist wichtig, dass man beachtet die Regeln.

Es ist wichtig, dass man die Regeln beachtet.

Object before verb.

Er behauptet, dass er hätte es getan.

Er behauptet, dass er es getan hätte.

Verb at the end.

Es ist fraglich, dass er wird kommen.

Es ist fraglich, dass er kommen wird.

Verb at the end.

Sentence Patterns

Ich glaube, dass ___ ___ .

Es ist wichtig, dass ___ ___ ___ .

Ich hoffe, dass ___ ___ ___ ___ .

Man muss bedenken, dass ___ ___ ___ ___ .

Real World Usage

Texting very common

Ich hoffe, dass du bald antwortest.

Job Interview common

Ich glaube, dass ich die richtige Person bin.

Social Media common

Ich finde, dass das ein tolles Foto ist.

Ordering Food occasional

Ich möchte, dass das Essen warm ist.

Travel common

Ich weiß, dass der Zug um 10 Uhr fährt.

Email very common

Ich bestätige, dass ich den Termin erhalten habe.

💡

The Comma Rule

Always, always put a comma before 'dass'. It's a non-negotiable rule in German writing.
⚠️

Verb Position

If you forget to move the verb to the end, your sentence will sound like a broken main clause.
🎯

Practice with 'Ich denke'

Start your sentences with 'Ich denke, dass...' to get used to the structure.
💬

Formal vs Informal

The structure remains the same regardless of formality, which makes it a very safe grammar point to use.

Smart Tips

Put the modal verb at the very end, after the infinitive.

Ich weiß, dass er kann kommen. Ich weiß, dass er kommen kann.

Keep the prefix attached to the verb at the end.

Ich weiß, dass er an kommt. Ich weiß, dass er ankommt.

Put the auxiliary verb (haben/sein) at the very end.

Ich weiß, dass er hat es gemacht. Ich weiß, dass er es gemacht hat.

Always place a comma before 'dass'.

Ich weiß dass er kommt. Ich weiß, dass er kommt.

Pronunciation

/das/

Dass

The 'ss' is pronounced as a sharp 's' sound because the vowel 'a' is short.

Rising-Falling

Ich weiß, dass er kommt ↘

Indicates a complete statement.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Dass is the boss, it kicks the verb to the back of the house.

Visual Association

Imagine a soccer player ('dass') kicking the ball (the verb) all the way to the goal at the end of the field.

Rhyme

When you see 'dass' in the middle of the line, move the verb to the end every time!

Story

Hans is a very organized person. He loves to put things in order. Whenever he says 'dass', he feels a sudden urge to push the verb to the very end of his sentence. His friends think it's funny, but Hans says it's just good German grammar.

Word Web

dassNebensatzVerb-KickerKommaSubjunktionSatzbau

Challenge

Write 5 sentences using 'dass' about your day, ensuring the verb is at the end.

Cultural Notes

Germans value precision in speech. Using 'dass' correctly shows you understand the structure of their language.

In Austria, 'dass' is used similarly, but the tone might be slightly more formal in business settings.

In Switzerland, 'dass' is standard, though in some dialects, 'dass' might be replaced by 'wo' in very casual speech.

The word 'dass' evolved from the Middle High German 'daz', which was a demonstrative pronoun.

Conversation Starters

Was glaubst du, dass heute passiert?

Findest du, dass Deutsch schwer ist?

Was hoffst du, dass du dieses Jahr erreichst?

Denkst du, dass Technologie unser Leben verbessert?

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über drei Dinge, die du heute gelernt hast.
Was sind deine Ziele für die Zukunft?
Was denkst du über das Wetter heute?
Warum ist es wichtig, Sprachen zu lernen?

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct verb form.

Ich weiß, dass er heute ___ (kommen).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: kommt
The verb must be conjugated and at the end.
Find the error in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ich hoffe, dass du hast Zeit.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hast
The verb 'hast' should be at the end.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich weiß, dass er kommt.
Correct comma and verb position.
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.
Correct structure.
Translate to German. Translation

I think that he is tired.

Answer starts with: Ich...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich denke, dass er müde ist.
Correct verb position.
Match the main clause with the correct subordinate clause. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ...er kommt.
Conjugated verb at the end.
Build a sentence with 'dass'. Sentence Building

Ich glaube / er / arbeitet / heute

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich glaube, dass er heute arbeitet.
Correct word order.
Conjugate the verb for the 'dass' clause. Conjugation Drill

Ich weiß, dass sie (sein) ___ müde.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ist
Conjugation for 'sie'.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct verb form.

Ich weiß, dass er heute ___ (kommen).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: kommt
The verb must be conjugated and at the end.
Find the error in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ich hoffe, dass du hast Zeit.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hast
The verb 'hast' should be at the end.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich weiß, dass er kommt.
Correct comma and verb position.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

dass / er / weiß / ich / kommt

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

I think that he is tired.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich denke, dass er müde ist.
Correct verb position.
Match the main clause with the correct subordinate clause. Match Pairs

Ich weiß, dass...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ...er kommt.
Conjugated verb at the end.
Build a sentence with 'dass'. Sentence Building

Ich glaube / er / arbeitet / heute

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich glaube, dass er heute arbeitet.
Correct word order.
Conjugate the verb for the 'dass' clause. Conjugation Drill

Ich weiß, dass sie (sein) ___ müde.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ist
Conjugation for 'sie'.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

glaube / ich / dass / schläft / er / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich glaube, dass er schläft.
Translate to German. Translation

I hope that you are healthy.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich hoffe, dass du gesund bist.
Match the intro with the correct ending. Match Pairs

Match the sentence halves:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich weiß, | dass du mich magst.
Complete the sentence with the correct conjunction. Fill in the Blank

Ich bin sicher, ___ wir den Test bestehen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: dass
Which sentence uses a modal verb correctly? Multiple Choice

Select the correct structure:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich hoffe, dass ich morgen kommen kann.
Fix the verb position. Error Correction

Ich finde toll, dass wir gehen heute ins Kino.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich finde toll, dass wir heute ins Kino gehen.
Reorder the words including the article. Sentence Reorder

dass / ich / weiß / die / Pizza / schmeckt / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich weiß, dass die Pizza schmeckt.
Translate: 'He thinks that she is nice.' Translation

He thinks that she is nice.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er denkt, dass sie nett ist.
Identify the correct usage of 'dass' after an adjective. Multiple Choice

Which one is right?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Es ist schön, dass du da bist.
Put the verb 'sehen' in the correct form and place. Fill in the Blank

Sie erzählt, dass sie den Film schon _____. (sehen)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: gesehen hat

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

It's a rule for subordinate clauses in German. It helps the listener know that a new clause has started.

It's used when you want to connect a statement. Sometimes you can omit it in very informal speech, but it's better to use it.

The conjugated verb goes to the very end. If there's an infinitive, it goes before the conjugated verb.

Yes, the comma is mandatory before 'dass'.

No, use 'ob' for yes/no questions.

Mostly, but the grammar rules are different.

Write sentences and check the verb position.

No, it's a conjunction, not an article.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

que

Spanish maintains SVO order in subordinate clauses.

French moderate

que

French keeps the verb in the standard position.

English moderate

that

English does not move the verb to the end.

Japanese high

to

Japanese is naturally verb-final, unlike German which changes order.

Arabic moderate

anna

Arabic does not have a verb-kicker rule.

Chinese low

shuo

Chinese word order is strictly SVO.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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