weil / dass

Main clause + weil/dass + … finite verb last:

• Ich bleibe, weil ich müde bin.

wenn

Condition/habitual when: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause.

Practical Examples

1. Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich in Deutschland arbeiten möchte.

• English: I am learning German because I want to work in Germany.
• Usage Note: 'weil' introduces the reason or cause for the action in the main clause. The conjugated verb ('möchte') goes to the end.

1. Er kommt nicht, weil er krank ist.

• English: He isn't coming because he is sick.
• Usage Note: 'weil' can also explain the reason for a negative statement. The conjugated verb ('ist') goes to the end.

1. Ich glaube, dass es morgen regnen wird.

• English: I believe that it will rain tomorrow.
• Usage Note: 'dass' introduces a statement of belief, opinion, or a fact. The conjugated verb ('wird') goes to the end.

1. Sie weiß, dass der Zug um zehn Uhr abfährt.

• English: She knows that the train departs at ten o'clock.
• Usage Note: 'dass' is used after verbs of knowing or reporting. The separable verb ('abfährt') stays together at the end.

1. Wenn du Zeit hast, können wir uns treffen.

• English: If you have time, we can meet.
• Usage Note: 'wenn' introduces a condition ('if'). When the subclause comes first, the main clause starts with the verb.

1. Ich trinke immer Kaffee, wenn ich müde bin.

• English: I always drink coffee when I am tired.
• Usage Note: 'wenn' describes a recurring event or habit ('when'). The conjugated verb ('bin') goes to the end.

1. Warum bist du so glücklich? – Weil ich Urlaub habe!

• English: Why are you so happy? – Because I have vacation!
• Usage Note: 'weil' is used to answer a 'Warum?' question. The conjugated verb ('habe') goes to the end.

1. Er hat gesagt, dass er uns helfen wird.

• English: He said that he will help us.
• Usage Note: 'dass' is often used after verbs of saying or telling. The conjugated verb ('wird') goes to the end.

1. Wenn du nicht kommst, gehen wir ohne dich.

• English: If you don't come, we'll go without you.
• Usage Note: 'wenn' can introduce a negative condition. The conjugated verb ('kommst') goes to the end.

1. Ich kann nicht kommen, weil ich arbeiten muss.

• English: I can't come because I have to work.
• Usage Note: When a modal verb is in the subclause, it goes to the very end.

1. Es ist wichtig, dass du pünktlich bist.

• English: It is important that you are punctual.
• Usage Note: 'dass' often follows impersonal expressions like 'Es ist wichtig/gut/schön'. The conjugated verb ('bist') goes to the end.

1. Ist es in Ordnung, wenn ich später komme?

• English: Is it okay if I come later?
• Usage Note: 'wenn' can be used in questions to ask about a condition. The conjugated verb ('komme') goes to the end.

1. Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil meine Sendung heute ankommt.

• English: I stay at home because my delivery arrives today.
• Usage Note: 'weil' explains the reason. The separable verb ('ankommt') remains together at the end of the subclause.

1. Ich hoffe, dass du einen schönen Tag hast.

• English: I hope that you have a nice day.
• Usage Note: 'dass' is used after verbs expressing hope or desire. The conjugated verb ('hast') goes to the end.

1. Wenn es morgen schön ist, gehen wir spazieren.

• English: If it's nice tomorrow, we'll go for a walk.
• Usage Note: 'wenn' can refer to future conditions. The conjugated verb ('ist') goes to the end.