Nachdem
B1 · Intermediate · Advanced Structures
The rule
nachdem + Plusquamperfekt, Präteritum/Perfekt in main clause.
How it works
Nachdem (after) introduces an event that happened before the main clause event. The subordinate clause usually uses the past perfect, and the main clause uses the simple past or the perfect: Nachdem ich gegessen hatte, ging ich spazieren. Nachdem is a clear way to show sequence in speech and writing.
When to use it
Use nachdem (after) to show that one action happened before another, with the past perfect in the subordinate clause.
Use cases
- Describing a sequence of events: Nachdem wir das Essen bestellt hatten, setzten wir uns
- Telling a story in order: Nachdem er die Prüfung bestanden hatte, feierte er
- Describing the steps of a process in writing
Examples
- Nachdem er gegessen hatte, ging er – After he had eaten he left
- Nachdem sie angekommen war, rief sie ihre Mutter an. – After she had arrived, she called her mother.
- Nachdem das Wetter besser geworden war, fuhren wir an den See. – After the weather had improved, we drove to the lake.
- Nachdem ich den Brief gelesen hatte, antwortete ich sofort. – After I had read the letter, I replied immediately.
Common mistake
Using the simple past in the nachdem clause, which needs the past perfect to show the earlier action. The main clause is usually in simple past or perfect.
Memory tip
Nachdem + past perfect, then simple past or perfect in the main clause: Nachdem ich gegessen hatte, ging ich.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Verbs and Word Order: Tenses, Modals and Sentence Structure.