What is the difference between 'denn' and 'weil'?

Both mean 'because', but they affect word order differently. 'Denn' is a coordinating conjunction (ADUSO), so the verb stays in the second position (e.g., '...denn ich bin müde'). 'Weil' is a subordinating conjunction, so the verb moves to the end (e.g., '...weil ich müde bin').

When do I use 'wenn' instead of 'wann'?

Use 'wann' only when asking a question about time (e.g., 'Wann kommst du?'). Use 'wenn' for 'if' (conditional) or 'whenever' (repeated events). If you can replace the word with 'at what time', use 'wann'; otherwise, use 'wenn'.

Does 'und' change the word order in German?

No, 'und' is part of the ADUSO group of coordinating conjunctions. It occupies 'position zero', meaning the subject comes next, followed by the verb in the second position, just like a normal sentence.

How do I use 'obwohl' correctly?

'Obwohl' means 'although' and is a subordinating conjunction. This means the conjugated verb must go to the end of the clause. For example: 'Ich gehe spazieren, obwohl es regnet' (I am going for a walk, although it is raining).

What happens if I start a sentence with a conjunction?

If you start with a subordinating conjunction like 'Weil', the entire first clause acts as 'position one'. Therefore, the very first word of the second clause must be the verb. Example: 'Weil es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause' (Because it is raining, I am staying at home).

What is the difference between 'aber' and 'sondern'?

Both can mean 'but', but 'sondern' is used specifically after a negative statement to mean 'but rather' or 'instead'. For example: 'Ich esse kein Fleisch, sondern Fisch' (I don't eat meat, but rather fish). Use 'aber' for general contrasts.

General vocabulary: Conjunctions

AQA

GCSE

This topic covers the use of coordinating and subordinating conjunctions in German, which are essential for linking clauses and developing complex sentence structures.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

Conjunctions are the essential 'glue' of the German language, enabling you to move beyond simple, repetitive sentences to create complex and sophisticated structures. In the AQA GCSE German specification, mastering conjunctions is vital for achieving higher-tier marks (Grades 7-9) in both the Writing and Speaking components, as they demonstrate your ability to manipulate word order and link ideas logically.

The topic covers two main categories: coordinating conjunctions, which link two independent clauses without changing the word order, and subordinating conjunctions, which trigger a significant shift in syntax by sending the conjugated verb to the very end of the clause. Understanding this distinction is one of the most common hurdles for students, but it is also one of the most rewarding skills to master for exam success.

Beyond simple sentence linking, conjunctions allow you to express causality, contrast, and conditions. Whether you are explaining why you enjoy a hobby using 'weil' (because) or describing a future plan using 'wenn' (if/when), conjunctions provide the framework for the 'range of language' that examiners look for in the mark schemes.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Coordinating Conjunctions (ADUSO): These five conjunctions (aber, denn, und, sondern, oder) link two main clauses and have 'zero position,' meaning the word order of the following clause remains exactly the same (Subject-Verb-Object).
→Subordinating Conjunctions: Words like 'weil' (because), 'dass' (that), 'obwohl' (although), and 'wenn' (if/when) force the conjugated verb to move from the second position to the very end of the sentence.
→The 'Comma Rule': In German, you must almost always place a comma before a conjunction that starts a new clause, which is a key difference from English punctuation rules.
→Multi-part Conjunctions: Advanced structures like 'entweder... oder' (either... or) and 'nicht nur... sondern auch' (not only... but also) are excellent for boosting your 'Complexity' score in the Writing exam.
→Inversion with Conjunctions: If a subordinating clause starts the sentence (e.g., 'Because I am tired...'), the main clause that follows must start with the verb to maintain the 'verb second' rule.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Correct use of coordinating conjunctions (e.g., aber, oder, und) to join main clauses.
Correct use of subordinating conjunctions (e.g., als, obwohl, weil, wenn) to introduce subordinate clauses.
Correct word order in subordinate clauses (verb at the end).
Use of multi-part conjunctions (e.g., entweder... oder, nicht nur... sondern auch, sowohl... als auch, weder... noch).
Correct application of conjunctions to link past, present, and future events.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Correct use of coordinating conjunctions (e.g., aber, oder, und) to join main clauses.
Correct use of subordinating conjunctions (e.g., als, obwohl, weil, wenn) to introduce subordinate clauses.
Correct word order in subordinate clauses (verb at the end).
Use of multi-part conjunctions (e.g., entweder... oder, nicht nur... sondern auch, sowohl... als auch, weder... noch).
Correct application of conjunctions to link past, present, and future events.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Use a variety of conjunctions to move from simple sentences to more complex, higher-level writing.
💡Remember that 'weil' and 'obwohl' are subordinating conjunctions and require the verb to be at the end of the clause.
💡Practice using multi-part conjunctions to demonstrate a higher range of language in the Writing and Speaking papers.
💡Check your word order carefully after using a subordinating conjunction.
💡Variety is key: Avoid using 'und' and 'aber' repeatedly. To reach the top mark bands in AQA Writing tasks, aim to include at least three different subordinating conjunctions like 'obwohl' or 'da'.
💡Check your verb position: During the last 5 minutes of your exam, specifically check every sentence containing 'weil', 'dass', or 'wenn' to ensure the conjugated verb is at the very end.
💡Use 'obwohl' for contrast: Instead of just saying what you like, use 'obwohl' (although) to provide a counter-argument. This shows the examiner you can handle complex logical structures.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Failing to place the verb at the end of the clause when using subordinating conjunctions.
Confusing coordinating conjunctions (which do not affect word order) with subordinating conjunctions (which push the verb to the end).
Incorrectly using 'wenn' for 'when' in past tense narratives (should be 'als').
Misplacing the second part of multi-part conjunctions.
Using 'weil' with English word order: Students often write 'weil ich bin müde' instead of the correct 'weil ich müde bin'. Remember, 'weil' is a subordinating conjunction and must kick the verb to the end.
Confusing 'denn' and 'weil': While both mean 'because', 'denn' is a coordinating conjunction (no word order change) and 'weil' is subordinating (verb to the end). They are not interchangeable in terms of grammar.
Misusing 'wenn', 'wann', and 'als': Students often use 'wann' for 'if'. In German, 'wann' is only for questions about time, 'wenn' is for 'if' or 'whenever', and 'als' is for a single event in the past.

Revision Plan

How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks

1Step 1: Memorise the ADUSO acronym (aber, denn, und, sondern, oder) and practice writing five compound sentences where the word order does not change.
2Step 2: Create a 'Verb-Kicker' list of subordinating conjunctions (weil, dass, wenn, obwohl, da) and practice transforming simple sentences into subordinate clauses.
3Step 3: Focus on the 'Comma Rule' by reviewing your previous German essays and inserting missing commas before every conjunction.
4Step 4: Practice 'Inversion' by starting sentences with 'Weil...' or 'Obwohl...' and ensuring the next clause begins immediately with a verb.
5Step 5: Complete a timed AQA-style 90-word writing task, intentionally including one coordinating, one subordinating, and one multi-part conjunction.

Exam Question Types

How this topic typically appears in the exam

📋Translation into German: You will often be given a sentence like 'I like my school because the teachers are helpful.' You must correctly place 'sind' at the end of the clause to get the mark.
📋Writing (90 or 150 words): You are assessed on 'Range of Language'. Using a variety of conjunctions is the fastest way to move from a Grade 5 to a Grade 8/9 performance.
📋Reading/Listening Comprehension: Questions often hinge on conjunctions like 'obwohl' (although) or 'jedoch' (however) to change the meaning of a sentence, so you must recognise them to avoid 'distractor' answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Present tense verb conjugation
•Basic word order (the Verb Second rule)
•Knowledge of common infinitives and their meanings

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Justifying opinions and providing rationale using causal connectors such as 'weil', 'denn', and 'da' to meet AO3 requirements.
Sequencing chronological events and temporal relationships using 'nachdem', 'bevor', and 'während' to enhance narrative flow.
Expressing conditions and hypothetical scenarios through 'wenn', 'falls', and 'obwohl' to demonstrate nuanced argumentation and logical deduction.

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Schreib

Beschreib

Vergleich

Ergänze

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

General vocabulary: Conjunctions

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Revision Plan

Exam Question Types

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in AQA GCSE German

Communication strategies

Communication strategies: Strategies for production

Communication strategies: Strategies for understanding

General vocabulary: Access

How to Revise General vocabulary: Conjunctions — AQA GCSE German

Examiner Tips for General vocabulary: Conjunctions

Common Mistakes in General vocabulary: Conjunctions

Key Marking Points

General vocabulary: Conjunctions

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Revision Plan

Exam Question Types

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'denn' and 'weil'?

When do I use 'wenn' instead of 'wann'?

Does 'und' change the word order in German?

How do I use 'obwohl' correctly?

What happens if I start a sentence with a conjunction?

What is the difference between 'aber' and 'sondern'?

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in AQA GCSE German

Communication strategies

Communication strategies: Strategies for production

Communication strategies: Strategies for understanding

General vocabulary: Access