B1 → Grammar · Lesson 3 of 23

German Connecting Adverbs: Deshalb, Trotzdem, Außerdem & More

die Konjunktionaladverbien

Before this lesson: make sure you've covered What Changes at B1? first.

At A2 you learned conjunctions like weil and aber, which sit between two clauses without moving the verb. B1 introduces a different kind of connector: connecting adverbs like deshalb (that's why), trotzdem (nevertheless), and außerdem (besides). These behave like any other adverb — if you put one first, the verb still has to stay in position 2, so the subject moves after it.

Types you should know

deshalb / deswegen / daher

that's why, therefore — result

trotzdem

nevertheless — unexpected contrast

außerdem

besides, additionally

sonst

otherwise

nämlich

namely, because (explains after the fact)

See it in action

A connecting adverb counts as ONE sentence element — if it goes first, the verb still comes second.

German	English
Ich bin müde. Deshalb gehe ich früh ins Bett.	I'm tired. That's why I'm going to bed early.
Es regnet. Trotzdem gehen wir spazieren.	It's raining. Nevertheless, we're going for a walk.
Ich mag die Wohnung. Außerdem ist sie günstig.	I like the apartment. Besides, it's cheap.
Beeil dich, sonst verpassen wir den Zug.	Hurry up, otherwise we'll miss the train.

Memory trick: Unlike weil/dass/wenn (which push the verb to the END), these connecting adverbs are just position-1 words — they push the SUBJECT after the verb, exactly like any time word (morgen, heute) would.

⚠ Common mistake: Don't treat "deshalb" like "weil" — "weil ich müde bin, gehe ich früh ins Bett" sends the verb to the end (bin), but "Ich bin müde, deshalb gehe ich früh ins Bett" keeps normal verb-second order (gehe).

🎯 Quick check

Complete: 'Ich habe keine Zeit, ___ kann ich nicht kommen.' (therefore)

German Connecting Adverbs: Deshalb, Trotzdem, Außerdem & More

Types you should know

See it in action

🎯 Quick check

Related topics