trotzdem

Contrasts with what you expect from the previous sentence:

• Es regnete. Trotzdem gingen wir spazieren.

deshalb / darum / deswegen

Result or consequence — V2 after the connector word:

• Ich war müde. Deshalb blieb ich zu Hause.

sonst

Otherwise / or else:

• Beeil dich, sonst verpassen wir den Zug.

Position

These behave like sentence adverbs: often position 1 or after the subject.

Practice

Chain two mini paragraphs using deshalb and trotzdem once each.

Practical Examples

1. Ich habe Kopfschmerzen, deshalb bleibe ich heute zu Hause.

• I have a headache, therefore I'm staying home today.
• Usage note: "Deshalb" indicates a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The verb comes immediately after "deshalb".

1. Es regnet, trotzdem gehen wir spazieren.

• It's raining, nevertheless we're going for a walk.
• Usage note: "Trotzdem" shows a contrast or concession, meaning something happens despite a previous fact.

1. Lern fleißig, sonst schaffst du die Prüfung nicht.

• Study diligently, otherwise you won't pass the exam.
• Usage note: "Sonst" introduces a negative consequence if the preceding condition is not met.

1. Du bist müde. Gehst du deshalb so früh ins Bett?

• You're tired. Are you going to bed so early because of that?
• Usage note: "Deshalb" can be used in questions to ask for the reason behind an action.

1. Er hatte wenig Zeit, trotzdem hat er mir geholfen.

• He had little time, nevertheless he helped me.
• Usage note: Shows that an action happened despite a limiting factor.

1. Beeil dich, sonst verpassen wir den Zug!

• Hurry up, otherwise we'll miss the train!
• Usage note: Often used with imperatives to warn of a negative outcome.

1. Der Film war langweilig, deshalb bin ich eingeschlafen.

• The movie was boring, therefore I fell asleep.
• Usage note: Connects a cause (boring film) to an effect (falling asleep).

1. Sie hatte keine Lust, trotzdem ist sie mitgekommen.

• She didn't feel like it, nevertheless she came along.
• Usage note: Expresses that an action occurred contrary to an expectation or feeling.

1. Wir können heute Abend ins Kino gehen, oder sonst bleiben wir zu Hause.

• We can go to the cinema tonight, or else we'll stay home.
• Usage note: "Sonst" can offer an alternative or another option.

1. Ich habe kein Geld mehr, deshalb kann ich nichts kaufen.

• I have no more money, therefore I can't buy anything.
• Usage note: Clearly links the lack of money to the inability to buy.

1. Es war sehr kalt, trotzdem hat sie keinen Mantel getragen.

• It was very cold, nevertheless she didn't wear a coat.
• Usage note: Highlights an unexpected action despite the circumstances.

1. Was machst du sonst so am Wochenende?

• What else do you do on the weekend?
• Usage note: "Sonst" can mean "else" or "otherwise" in questions about alternatives or other activities.

1. Er ist krank, deshalb kann er nicht zur Arbeit kommen.

• He is sick, therefore he cannot come to work.
• Usage note: A straightforward reason and consequence.

1. Ich habe ihn gewarnt, aber er hat trotzdem den Fehler gemacht.

• I warned him, but he nevertheless made the mistake.
• Usage note: Emphasizes that an action happened despite a warning or prior knowledge.

1. Iss deinen Teller leer, sonst gibt es keinen Nachtisch!

• Finish your plate, otherwise there'll be no dessert!
• Usage note: A common phrase used to set a condition for a reward or avoid a punishment.