Verb position with connectors (deshalb, trotzdem)
B1 · Intermediate · Advanced Structures
The rule
These adverbs take position 1; the verb comes second.
How it works
Adverbs such as deshalb (therefore), trotzdem (nevertheless), deswegen (for that reason) and daher (hence) can start a main clause. They occupy the first position, so the verb comes second, and the subject follows the verb: Deshalb bleibe ich zu Hause. Without a connector, the subject usually stands first.
When to use it
Use deshalb, trotzdem, deswegen and daher at the start of a main clause, which puts the verb in position two.
Use cases
- Linking cause and effect: Es regnet, deshalb nehmen wir den Bus
- Showing contrast: Er ist müde, trotzdem geht er zum Training
- Writing structured arguments: Daher ist es sinnvoll, früh anzufangen
Examples
- Es regnet, deshalb bleibe ich – It rains, therefore I stay
- Ich habe keine Zeit, deshalb komme ich später. – I have no time, so I will come later.
- Das Essen war teuer, trotzdem war es lecker. – The meal was expensive, but it was delicious.
- Das Wetter ist schlecht, daher bleiben wir drinnen. – The weather is bad, so we are staying inside.
Common mistake
Putting the subject after deshalb: "Deshalb ich bleibe" is wrong; "Deshalb bleibe ich" is right.
Memory tip
Adverb first, verb second, subject third: Deshalb bleibe ich zu Hause.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Verbs and Word Order: Tenses, Modals and Sentence Structure.