conjunction
by
B1
Indem: subordinating conjunction meaning 'by (doing something)' or 'by means of' and sometimes 'while/whereas' in contrastive contexts. It introduces a subordinate clause and forces verb-final word order in German. Use to express the manner or method how something is achieved (e.g., indem + verb clause).
Examples
Der Student schaffte das Projekt, indem er seine Zeit besser einteilte.
The student completed the project by managing his time better.
Er hat Geld gespart, indem er weniger ausgegeben hat.
He saved money by spending less.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture the phrase 'in + dem' forming a small action bubble showing how one action leads to another.
Sounds a bit like 'in them' — imagine doing something 'in them' to remember 'by doing something'.
Notes
Indem introduces a subordinate clause that describes how something was done and sends the verb to the end of the clause (subordinating conjunction).