What happens to the verb after a subordinating conjunction like weil or dass?

In a subordinate clause, the conjugated verb moves to the end of the sentence. For example: Ich gehe nach Hause, weil ich müde bin.

How can I tell the difference between das and dass?

Use das when it refers to a noun or can mean this/which . Use dass when it means that and introduces a clause, as in Ich weiß, dass du kommst.

What happens if the sentence starts with a subordinating clause?

If the sentence begins with the subordinate clause, that whole clause counts as Position 1 in the main clause. Example: Weil ich müde bin, gehe ich nach Hause.

Subordinating Conjunctions — The Verb Kickers ⚽🦶

Subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause. They act as 'verb kickers', forcing the conjugated verb to the very end of that clause. Some of the most common are: weil (because), dass (that), wenn (if/when), and obwohl (although).

Infographic detailing various German Conjunctions and their specific rules.

These words are bullies.
When they trigger a side sentence (Nebensatz), they walk up to the verb and kick it to the very END of the sentence.

The Trigger Words 🔫

There are many, but these are the VIPs:

weil (because)
dass (that)
wenn (if/when)
ob (whether/if)
als (when - past)
obwohl (although)
damit (so that)

The Kicking Mechanism ⚙️

Main Clause: Ich gehe nach Hause, ... (Standard order).
Connector: ... weil ...
Variable: ... ich müde ...
Verb (Kicked): ... bin.

Ich gehe nach Hause, weil ich müde bin.
(Standard would be: Ich bin müde).

Sandwich Sentences 🥪

If you start the sentence with a Kicker, the whole clause counts as "Position 1" for the main clause.

[Weil ich müde bin], (1) gehe (2) ich nach Hause.
Wait, two verbs next to each other (bin, gehe)?
YES! Comma to Comma, Verb to Verb.

Dass vs Das

Das: Only if you can replace it with "this/which". (The car, which is red...).
Dass: Conjunction "that". I know, that you are cool. (Ich weiß, dass du cool bist.).

Spoken German vs. Textbook 📚 vs 🗣️

In textbook German, Weil always sends the verb to the end.
In reality (street German), people are lazy.
They often treat Weil like Denn (Position 0).

Ich komme nicht, weil... ich bin müde. (Pause after weil).
Do not write this in an exam! But don't be shocked if you hear it.

The "Dass" Trap

Don't confuse Das and Dass.

Das (Article/Pronoun): Refers to a noun. Das Auto, das...
Dass (Conjunction): Connects a thought. Ich weiß, dass...
Test: Can you replace it with "which" or "this"?
"I know which he is crazy." (No -> Dass).
"The car which drives fast." (Yes -> Das).