Comma Before Subordinating Conjunction

Subordinating conjunctions like weil, dass, and wenn create a "Nebensatz" or subordinate clause. This type of clause has a very specific personality. First, it depends on a main clause to make sense. Second, it has a weird habit of kicking the verb to the very end of the sentence. Because the word order changes so drastically, the comma acts as a warning sign. It says: "Hey! A new clause is starting, and the verb is going to be late!" The comma always sits right before the conjunction. It creates a clean break between the two parts of the sentence. This structure helps the brain process the information in chunks. Without the comma, the sentence would feel like a long, breathless run-on. In German, we love order and structure. The comma provides exactly that. It is the glue that connects your primary thought to your supporting details. Think of it as a logical divider in a filing cabinet.

1. 1To build these sentences correctly, follow these simple steps:
2. 2Write your main clause first. This part can usually stand alone.
3. 3Place a comma immediately after the last word of the main clause.
4. 4Write the subordinating conjunction (like weil or dass) right after the comma.
5. 5Write the rest of your information.
6. 6Place the conjugated verb at the very end of the sentence.
7. 7Example: Ich lerne Deutsch (Main) + , + weil (Conjunction) + ich in Berlin arbeiten möchte (Rest + Verb).
8. 8Result: Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich in Berlin arbeiten möchte.

You must use a comma every single time you introduce a subordinate clause. This happens most often with these common conjunctions:

• weil (because): Use this to give a reason. "Ich trinke Wasser, weil ich Durst habe."
• dass (that): Use this after verbs of speaking or thinking. "Ich glaube, dass es regnet."
• wenn (if/when): Use this for conditions or repeated events. "Ich bleibe zu Hause, wenn es schneit."
• obwohl (although): Use this for contrasts. "Ich gehe spazieren, obwohl es kalt ist."
• damit (so that): Use this for purpose. "Ich lerne, damit ich die Prüfung bestehe."

Whether you are ordering food ("Ich nehme den Salat, weil ich Vegetarier bin") or asking for directions ("Wissen Sie, ob der Bus hier hält?"), the rule remains the same. If there is a subordinating conjunction, there must be a comma before it.

You do not use this specific comma rule with coordinating conjunctions. These are the "ADUSO" words: aber, denn, und, sondern, oder. While aber and denn often take commas, und and oder usually do not when connecting short clauses or words.

Example: Ich esse Brot und ich trinke Milch. (No comma needed before und).

Also, do not put a comma if the conjunction is just part of a phrase and not starting a new clause. However, for A2 learners, the most important thing to remember is that weil, dass, and wenn are the "Comma Kings." They almost always demand a comma before them. Don't let und confuse you; it's a different animal entirely.

The most frequent mistake is simply forgetting the comma. English speakers do this constantly because our brains are trained to omit it.

• ✗ Ich weiß dass du kommst.
• ✓ Ich weiß, dass du kommst.

Another mistake is putting the comma in the wrong place. It must go *before* the conjunction, not after it.

• ✗ Ich bleibe zu Hause weil, es regnet.
• ✓ Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es regnet.

Lastly, learners often forget the "Verb Kick." They put the comma but keep the verb in the second position.

• ✗ Ich lerne, weil ich bin müde.
• ✓ Ich lerne, weil ich müde bin.

Remember: Comma first, then conjunction, then verb at the end. It's a three-step dance you need to memorize.

It is helpful to compare subordinating conjunctions with coordinating ones. Coordinating conjunctions (und, oder) connect two equal parts. They don't change the word order. Subordinating conjunctions (weil, dass) create a hierarchy. One part is more important than the other.

In English, we say "I am happy because I am eating." No comma is required. In German, you say "Ich bin glücklich, weil ich esse." The comma is non-negotiable.

Also, watch out for denn vs. weil. Both mean "because." But denn is a coordinating conjunction. It takes a comma but does *not* move the verb to the end. weil takes a comma *and* moves the verb. It's like weil is the stricter, more demanding cousin of denn.