ConjunctionsConjunctions that invert the verb and subject

There are a few conjunctions which change the word order but do not subordinate the verb.

• In the clause where they are used, they are the first idea, so the verb - the second idea - must come next.
• The subject then comes immediately after the verb, so the pattern is conjunction-verb-subject.

Two very useful conjunctions that behave this way are:

• deshalb – therefore, so
• jedoch – however, but

This is how to use them:

deshalb

jedoch

Did you know?

It's considered bad luck to wish someone in Germany a happy birthday before their big day. But as soon as midnight strikes, you're free to wish them well with the phrases: Alles Gute zum Geburtstag or Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag.

People usually sing the words zum Geburtstag viel Glück to the tune of Happy Birthday, although some German speakers prefer to stick to the English lyrics.