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'.
你将学到什么
Master subordinating conjunctions for time, cause, and condition: als, seitdem, bevor, obwohl.
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使用 'Seitdem'：谈论自某事开始以来发生的情况用
seitdem描述从过去某点开始并持续到现在的动作，记住要把 «动词放句末» 并加 «逗号»。 -
过去事件：使用 'Als'（仅限一次）描述过去只发生一次的大事，请认准
als；如果是经常发生的、或者是现在和未来的事，就用wenn。 -
德语从属连词：如何使用“在……之前”(bevor)Use
bevorfor actions with verbs; it kicks the conjugated verb to the very end of the clause. -
说明理由：使用 'because' (weil)想表达“因为”就用
weil，但别忘了把变位动词踢到“句末”，并且前面要加“逗号”。 -
万能钥匙 'Wenn'：如果、当……时，还是每当？用
wenn处理条件和重复事件，问时间找wann，过去单次用als。 -
要么...要么：做出选择 (entweder ... oder)当你需要从两个选项中做出“非此即彼”的决定时，就用
entweder... oder。记住，只能选一个哦！ -
德语中的“在...之后”：连接词 'nachdem'用
nachdem连接两个先后发生的动作，记得先发生的那个动作要用“更过去”的时态，比如Perfekt或Plusquamperfekt。 -
德语 'während'：当……时 & 而（连词）Use
währendfor multitasking or contrast, but always kick the conjugated verb to the very end of the clause.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
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By the end you will be able to: Construct complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions to describe the timing of past and present events.
章节指南
Overview
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.
How This Grammar Works
if (for conditions), when (for recurring events in the past, present, or future), or whenever. It introduces a subordinate clause.while, it describes simultaneous actions. As whereas, it indicates a contrast.
Common Mistakes
when I was little). *Wenn* is for recurring events or conditions.
since (the time that)).
Real Conversations
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Quick FAQ
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...).
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.
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).
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
关键例句 (8)
Ich checke meine E-Mails, bevor ich das Büro verlasse.
I check my emails before I leave the office.
德语从属连词：如何使用“在……之前”(bevor)Bevor wir das Spiel starten, müssen wir die Regeln lesen.
Before we start the game, we have to read the rules.
德语从属连词：如何使用“在……之前”(bevor)Er ist glücklich, weil er die {die|f} Prüfung bestanden hat.
他很高兴，因为他通过了考试。
说明理由：使用 'because' (weil)Ich höre Musik, während ich Sport mache.
I listen to music while I exercise.
德语 'während'：当……时 & 而（连词）Während sie arbeitet, trinkt sie viel Kaffee.
While she works, she drinks a lot of coffee.
德语 'während'：当……时 & 而（连词）技巧与窍门 (4)
Seit 的快捷用法
seit 代替 seitdem。它们都可以引导从句。比如 Seit ich hier bin和
Seitdem ich hier bin同样正确且地道！
“总是”测试法
immer (总是) 且意思通顺，就用 wenn。如果是出生这种事，肯定用 als： Als ich geboren wurde...。
Comma usage
动词终结者
...weil ich heute arbeiten muss.
核心词汇 (5)
Real-World Preview
Planning a Trip
Review Summary
- Main clause + weil + subject + ... + verb.
常见错误
In subordinating clauses, the verb must be at the end.
Als is used for specific past events, so the past tense (Präteritum) is mandatory.
Verb position is key. Place the auxiliary verb at the end.
本章规则 (8)
Next Steps
You have mastered the hardest part of German sentence structure. Keep practicing!
Write a journal entry about your weekend.
快速练习 (10)
选择解释迟到原因的正确句子：
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 说明理由：使用 'because' (weil)
Bevor ich nach Hause ___ (gehen), esse ich.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 德语从属连词：如何使用“在……之前”(bevor)
Find and fix the mistake:
Bevor ich habe gegessen, gehe ich.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 德语从属连词：如何使用“在……之前”(bevor)
___ gehen wir heute Abend aus, ___ wir bleiben gemütlich auf dem Sofa.
entweder ... oder（要么...要么）。frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 要么...要么：做出选择 (entweder ... oder)
Find and fix the mistake:
Während ich bin müde, schlafe ich.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 德语 'während'：当……时 & 而（连词）
Wenn ich gestern in Berlin ankam, war es kalt.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 过去事件：使用 'Als'（仅限一次）
Find and fix the mistake:
Er lernt, weil er will die Prüfung bestehen.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 说明理由：使用 'because' (weil)
Ich lese, während er ___ (schlafen).
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 德语 'während'：当……时 & 而（连词）
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich weiß nicht, wenn der Film beginnt.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 万能钥匙 'Wenn'：如果、当……时，还是每当？
我有空就看书。
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 万能钥匙 'Wenn'：如果、当……时，还是每当？
Score: /10
常见问题 (6)
Seit 是介词，后面直接跟时间，比如 Seit Montag。而 seitdem 是连词，后面要跟一整个句子，比如 Seitdem ich arbeite。seitdem 引导的分句里，动词要放在最后面，比如 Seitdem ich hier bin。
als 严格用于过去时。如果是将来的事，比如“明天我到的时候”，必须用 wenn： Wenn ich morgen ankomme...。
als 是一次性的，而 wenn 是习惯性的。比如“每当我去看奶奶”要用 wenn： Immer wenn ich Oma besuchte...。
