In German, Conjunctive Adverbs (Konjunktionaladverbien) like deshalb (therefore), trotzdem (nevertheless), and außerdem (besides) are used to link two independent ideas.
The biggest challenge isn’t the meaning of the words—it’s the word order. Unlike “Normal” conjunctions (und, aber, oder), these adverbs change the entire structure of the sentence.
1. The “Position 1” Rule
A conjunctive adverb is a “real” part of the sentence. This means it occupies Position 1. According to the golden rule of German grammar, the conjugated verb must stay in Position 2.
Because the Adverb takes the first spot, it pushes the Subject to the other side of the verb. This is called Inversion.
The Formula: [Adverb] + [Verb] + [Subject] + …
2. Examples of Inversion
Notice how the Subject (ich, er, wir) moves to Position 3 in every example below:
- Deshalb (Result):
- “Es regnet. Deshalb (1) bleibe (2) ich (3) zu Hause.”
- (It’s raining. Therefore, I am staying at home.)
- Trotzdem (Contrast):
- “Ich bin müde. Trotzdem (1) lerne (2) ich (3) Deutsch.”
- (I am tired. Nevertheless, I am learning German.)
- Außerdem (Addition):
- “Die Pizza ist lecker. Außerdem (1) ist (2) sie (3) billig.”
- (The pizza is tasty. Besides, it is cheap.)
3. The “Comma” Mistake
In English, we often put a comma after words like “Therefore” or “However.”
- English: Therefore, I am going.
- German: Deshalb gehe ich. (NO COMMA!)
If you put a comma after deshalb, you break the “Verb-Second” rule, and the sentence becomes grammatically incorrect.
4. Adverbs vs. Conjunctions (ADUSO)
It is important not to confuse these adverbs with the “ADUSO” conjunctions (Aber, Denn, Und, Sondern, Oder). Those words occupy Position 0 and do not change the word order.
| Type | Examples | Position | Effect on Word Order |
| ADUSO Conjunction | und, aber, oder | Position 0 | Subject + Verb (Normal) |
| Conjunctive Adverb | deshalb, trotzdem | Position 1 | Verb + Subject (Inversion) |
5. Summary Checklist for Word Order
- Identify the Adverb: Is it deshalb, trotzdem, danach, или außerdem?
- Place it in Position 1: Start your second sentence with it.
- The “Verb Sandwich”: Immediately follow the adverb with your conjugated verb.
- The Subject: Put your subject (the person/thing doing the action) right after the verb.
Want to see a full list of these adverbs? Check out our master reference guide:Mastering German Conjunctive Adverbs.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the “Adverb-Verb-Subject” flow is the quickest way to sound like a B1-level speaker. It shows that you understand the logic of the “Sentence Bracket” and the importance of Position 2. Practice flipping your subjects and verbs today!
Next Step: Now that you’ve mastered the word order for adverbs, do you know how it changes for “weil” and “dass”? Learn about the Verb-at-the-End Rule in Subordinate Clauses!