Sentence Links: deshalb and trotzdem
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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
- Is clause 2 the logical result of clause 1? → deshalb
- Does clause 2 happen despite an obstacle or contrary to expectation? → trotzdem
- 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