Sentence Links: deshalb and trotzdem
Connect two main clauses with deshalb and trotzdem. Distinguish an expected consequence from a surprising contrast and keep the conjugated verb in position 2 in the second clause.
Explanation
Main clauses with **deshalb** and **trotzdem**
Use **deshalb** and **trotzdem** to connect ideas in two main clauses. Both are conjunctive adverbs: they refer back to the previous clause but function as a clause element in the second one.
Meaning
- **deshalb** introduces an expected consequence: Der Wecker klingelt nicht. **Deshalb** kommt Luis zu spät. (The alarm does not ring. Therefore Luis is late.)
- **trotzdem** introduces an unexpected consequence despite an obstacle: Es regnet stark. **Trotzdem** fährt Mira mit dem Rad. (It is raining heavily. Nevertheless, Mira rides her bike.)
| Relationship | Question | Adverb |
|---|---|---|
| reason → expected result | What happens for this reason? | **deshalb** |
| obstacle → unexpected result | What happens despite this? | **trotzdem** |
Word order: verb in position 2
When the adverb starts the second clause, it occupies position 1. The conjugated verb follows immediately:
| Position 1 | Position 2 | Middle field |
|---|---|---|
| Deshalb | bleibt | Nora heute zu Hause. |
| Trotzdem | geht | sie kurz einkaufen. |
Do not say *Deshalb Nora bleibt ...* The conjugated verb follows immediately in position 2; the subject or another element comes later in the middle field. The adverb can also appear in the middle field: **Nora bleibt deshalb heute zu Hause.**
Punctuation and quick choice
Two complete main clauses can be separated by a full stop, semicolon, or comma. Choose **deshalb** for a logical result and **trotzdem** for an outcome that happens despite an obstacle. If the adverb is first, put the conjugated verb directly after it.
Punctuation examples
All three variants are grammatical:
- Der Bus fällt aus. **Deshalb** nehme ich die U-Bahn.
- Der Bus fällt aus; **deshalb** nehme ich die U-Bahn.
- Der Bus fällt aus, **deshalb** nehme ich die U-Bahn.
A full stop or semicolon often makes the boundary between the two main clauses especially clear.
Quick choice
1. Is clause 2 the logical result of clause 1? → **deshalb**
2. Does clause 2 happen despite an obstacle or contrary to expectation? → **trotzdem**
3. Is the adverb first? Put the conjugated verb directly after it.
Exercises
- Join the two statements with **deshalb**. Start the second main clause with the conjunctive adverb. (11)
- Match each first main clause with its logical consequence. (1)
- Join the sentences. Choose **deshalb** or **trotzdem** and write one complete sentence. (11)
- Complete the message with the word bank. Check meaning and verb position. (3)
A2 · German · Grammar