Coordinate Clause with "denn"

1. Function

• denn is a coordinating conjunction.
• It means because and introduces a reason.
• More common in written German, while weil is frequent in spoken German.

2. Word Order

• As a coordinating conjunction, denn does **not** change the word order.
• The verb stays in the **normal second position**.

3. Structure

• Main clause , denn + coordinate clause
• Example:
  • Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn es regnet.
  • Wir fahren nicht, denn das Auto ist kaputt.

4. Usage

• Used to connect two **independent clauses**.
• Sounds slightly more formal or literary than weil.
• Typical in writing, less frequent in casual spoken German.

5. Position in the Sentence

• denn always stands **between two clauses**.
• It cannot start the sentence.
• Pattern: [Main Clause] , denn [Reason Clause]
• Example:
  • Er hat keine Zeit, denn er muss arbeiten.

Created: 03 Oct 2025

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