Main Clauses with "deshalb"

1. Function

• "deshalb" is an adverbial connector and means *therefore / that’s why* in English.
• It connects two main clauses and expresses a consequence.
• It does **not** introduce a main clause.

2. Structure

[Main clause]. Deshalb + [Verb + Subject + ...]

• Word order: "deshalb" comes in the **second position**, so the verb follows it immediately (Verb-second rule).
  • Ich bin krank, deshalb bleibe ich zu Hause. (I am sick, therefore I stay at home.)
  • Es war schon spät, deshalb gingen wir nach Hause. (It was already late, therefore we went home.)

3. Usage

• "deshalb" is used to show the logical result of something.
• Common in both spoken and written German.
• Synonyms: *daher, deswegen, darum*.

4. Position in the Sentence

• "deshalb" starts the main clause and forces inversion: the verb comes right after it.
• Sentence pattern: - Main clause 1 + . + Deshalb + Verb + Subject + ...

Examples:

• Sie war müde. Deshalb ging sie früh ins Bett. (She was tired. Therefore she went to bed early.)
• Ich habe morgen eine Prüfung. Deshalb lerne ich heute. (I have an exam tomorrow. That’s why I am studying today.)

Created: 31 Aug 2025

Last Update: