What does it mean that ADUSO words are in Position 0?

It means words like und, oder, aber, denn, and sondern do not change the normal word order of the second main clause. The verb still stays in Position 2 , as if the new clause starts fresh after the conjunction.

When should I use sondern instead of aber ?

Use aber for a general contrast, like “but.” Use sondern only after a negative idea with nicht or kein , when you want to correct it: nicht A, sondern B .

What is the difference between denn and weil ?

Both mean “because,” but denn is a coordinating conjunction, so it keeps normal word order. Weil is a subordinating conjunction, so it sends the verb to the end of the clause.

Linking Words (Position 0) — The Bridge Builders 🌉

Coordinating conjunctions connect two main clauses without changing word order. Memorize the ADUSO acronym: Aber (but), Denn (because), Und (and), Sondern (but rather), Oder (or). These words occupy 'Position 0', meaning the standard V2 structure follows immediately after them.

Infographic showing German linking words (ADUSO) that do not affect word order (Position 0).

These little words glue two main sentences together.
The magic power of this group (ADUSO) is that they count as Position 0.
They do NOT push the verb. The counter restarts after them.

The ADUSO List 📋

Letter	Word	Meaning	Example
A	Aber	But	Ich bin müde, aber* ich arbeite.*
D	Denn	Because	Ich esse, denn* ich habe Hunger.*
U	Und	And	Ich trinke Wasser und* er trinkt Bier.*
S	Sondern	Rather/But(Instead)	Nicht rot, sondern* blau.*
O	Oder	Or	Kommst du oder* bleibst du?*

[!NOTE]
Sondern vs. Aber

Use Aber for a general "but".

Use Sondern ONLY after a negative (nicht/kein) to correct it.

"Not A, but rather B" -> Nicht A, sondern B.

Breaking it Down

[Ich bin müde] (Main Clause).
UND (Position 0).
[Ich gehe schlafen] (Main Clause restarts: Ich(1) gehe(2)).

You are essentially just parking two cars next to each other.

Pro Tips for Speaking 🗣️

Start sentences with "Und": It's totally fine in German to start a sentence with "Und". It sounds very fluid.
"Oder?" at the end: Germans love to put "oder?" at the end of a sentence to ask for confirmation.
- Du kommst morgen, oder? (You come tomorrow, right?).
- This is a "Tag Question".

The "Denn" vs "Weil" Battle 🥊

Both mean "because".

Denn: Position 0. (Easy). Ich esse, denn ich habe Hunger.
Weil: Kicker. (End). Ich esse, weil ich Hunger habe.
Beginners love denn because it's easier. Intermediate learners switch to weil to sound smarter.

Linking Words (Position 0) — The Bridge Builders 🌉

The ADUSO List 📋

Breaking it Down

Pro Tips for Speaking 🗣️

The "Denn" vs "Weil" Battle 🥊

See also...