Subordinate Clauses with "da"

1. Function

• "da" is a subordinating conjunction and means *because / since* in English.
• It introduces a subordinate clause (Nebensatz) that expresses a reason.
• It is more formal than "weil" and often used at the beginning of a sentence.

2. Word Order

• In the "da"-clause, the finite verb goes to the **end**.
• If the "da"-clause comes first, the verb of the main clause follows immediately (inversion).
  • Da es regnet, nehmen wir den Bus. (Since it is raining, we take the bus.)
  • Wir nehmen den Bus, da es regnet. (We take the bus because it is raining.)

3. Structure

[Main clause] + , + da + [Subject + ... + Verb at the end] or da + [Subject + ... + Verb at the end] + , + [Main clause]

4. Usage

• "da" is used to give a reason that is already known, obvious, or important in the context.
• More formal than "weil"; often preferred in written German.
• Typical in explanations, reports, or formal texts.

4. Position in the Sentence

• "da"-clauses are flexible: - At the beginning: Da es spät war, gingen wir nach Hause. - At the end: Wir gingen nach Hause, da es spät war.
• If the "da"-clause comes first, the main clause verb follows immediately (inversion).

Created: 31 Aug 2025

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