To build complex sentences in German, you need connectors. However, German categorizes these connectors into two main groups based on how they affect the Verb.
If you use a “Conjunction” (Aber), the word order stays normal. If you use a “Conjunctive Adverb” (Deshalb), the word order flips. Here is how to tell them apart.
1. Coordinating Conjunctions (The ADUSO Group)
Coordinating conjunctions are “ghost” words. They sit in Position 0, meaning they do not count toward the word order of the sentence. The sentence that follows them maintains a standard Subject + Verb structure.
The ADUSO List:
- Aber (but)
- Denn (because – formal)
- Und (and)
- Sondern (but rather)
- Oder (or)
The Word Order Rule:
[Sentence 1] + [ADUSO] + [Subject] + [Verb] …
Example: “Ich bin müde, aber (0) ich (Subj) lerne (Verb) weiter.”
2. Conjunctive Adverbs (The “Inversion” Group)
Unlike the ADUSO group, Conjunctive Adverbs are “real” parts of the sentence. They occupy Position 1. Because the German verb must stay in Position 2, it pushes the Subject to Position 3.
Common Adverbs:
- Deshalb / Darum (therefore)
- Trotzdem (nevertheless)
- Außerdem (besides/furthermore)
- Dann (then)
The Word Order Rule:
[Sentence 1] + [Adverb] + [Verb] + [Subject] …
Example: “Ich bin müde. Trotzdem (1) lerne (2) ich (3) weiter.”
3. Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Coordinating Conjunctions (ADUSO) | Conjunctive Adverbs |
| Position | Position 0 (doesn’t count) | Position 1 (occupies a slot) |
| Word Order | Subject + Verb (Normal) | Verb + Subject (Inversion) |
| Punctuation | Usually a comma before | Usually a period or semicolon before |
| Emphasis | Connects two equal ideas | Shows a logical result or contrast |
4. How to Spot the Difference in a Test
If you aren’t sure which one you are looking at, try to move the word.
- ADUSO words must stay between the two sentences. You cannot move und or aber to the end of a sentence.
- Conjunctive Adverbs are flexible. Because they are adverbs, you can actually move them later into the sentence:
- “Ich bin müde. Ich lerne trotzdem weiter.” (This is grammatically correct!)
5. Common Mistake: The “Comma Trap”
English speakers often try to use adverbs like conjunctions.
- Wrong: Ich habe Hunger, deshalb ich esse.
- Right: Ich habe Hunger. Deshalb esse ich. (Note the inversion and the period/semicolon).
Deep Dive: Want to master the most common adverbs? Check out our list ofTop Conjunctive Adverbs with Examples.
Final Thoughts
The easiest way to remember the difference is the ADUSO shortcut. If the word isn’t on the ADUSO list, there is a 90% chance it is an adverb (or a subordinating conjunction like weil, which is a different topic!). When in doubt, if it’s not ADUSO, flip your verb and subject.