Time Clauses: bevor, nachdem, während, seitdem
Learn to express time relationships precisely with bevor, nachdem, während, and seitdem. Practise meaning, verb-final order, and tense sequence with nachdem.
Explanation
Four time conjunctions
German time clauses show **when** two events happen and how they relate. The conjugated verb goes at the end of the subordinate clause.
| Conjunction | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| **bevor** | The subordinate-clause event happens later. | Bevor Amir losfährt, prüft er die Adresse. |
| **nachdem** | The subordinate-clause event is completed first. | Nachdem Amir die Adresse geprüft hat, fährt er los. |
| **während** | Two events happen at the same time. | Während Amir fährt, hört er einen Podcast. |
| **seit / seitdem** | A situation began earlier and continues now. | Seitdem Amir hier arbeitet, fährt er mit dem Rad. |
The time clause can follow or precede the main clause. When it comes first, the conjugated main verb follows the comma immediately; the subordinate verb remains final.
With **nachdem**, the earlier completed event often uses Perfekt when the later event is present or future. For two past events, the earlier event commonly uses Plusquamperfekt and the later event Präteritum or Perfekt.
Both **seit** and **seitdem** can introduce a clause. When the clause describes a situation that began earlier and is still true at the reference time, German normally uses Präsens for a present reference; other reference times can require other tenses. First identify the time relationship, then place the conjugated verb at the end.
Exercises
- Choose the time conjunction that fits each situation. (3)
- Join the two statements with the given conjunction to form one complete sentence. (10)
- Order the sentence parts. Watch the final verb in the subordinate clause and inversion after the comma. (10)
- Complete the nachdem clause with the correct verb form. Choose between Perfekt and Plusquamperfekt. (10)
B1 · German · Grammar