German grammar: Nebensätze (weil, dass, wenn, obwohl, als)

What this grammar point covers

In German, 'Nebensätze' are subordinate clauses. These are parts of a sentence that cannot stand alone and are introduced by words like 'weil', 'dass', 'wenn', 'obwohl', and 'als'. They give extra information about the main clause.

When to use it

Use these Nebensätze to explain reasons, report statements, talk about conditions, show contrasts, or describe past events. The verb in the Nebensatz goes to the end of the clause.

Key forms

• 'weil' (because): Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es regnet.
• 'dass' (that): Ich glaube, dass er kommt.
• 'wenn' (if/when): Wenn es kalt ist, ziehe ich eine Jacke an.
• 'obwohl' (although): Obwohl er müde ist, arbeitet er weiter.
• 'als' (when - past events): Als ich ein Kind war, spielte ich viel.

Examples

Tips

• Remember: In Nebensätze, the verb always goes to the end of the clause.
• Do not use a comma before 'weil', 'dass', 'wenn', 'obwohl', or 'als' if the Nebensatz comes first, but always use a comma to separate the two clauses.
• Be careful: 'als' is only used for single events in the past.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Sometimes, 'wenn' can mean 'whenever' or 'if', depending on the context.
• 'als' is not used for present or future events, only for past single events.