A1-52 · Connect your introduction

All about me

Review A1 by joining ideas with und, aber, oder and denn.

About 5 minutes to read · 12 quiz questions

An adult introduces herself to a small language class using pictures of home, work and hobbies.

Add information with und

Und joins two related facts. Each full statement keeps its usual word order: Ich heiße Mara und ich wohne in Berlin. You can also join shorter phrases.

Ich heiße Mara und ich wohne in Berlin.

My name is Mara and I live in Berlin.

Ich lese und koche gern.

I enjoy reading and cooking.

Ich komme aus Polen und wohne in Hamburg.

I come from Poland and live in Hamburg.

Wir lernen Deutsch und sprechen Englisch.

We learn German and speak English.

A subject shared by both actions can be omitted in the second part: Ich lese und koche gern. Und does not send the verb to the end.

Two friends choose between tea and coffee while discussing their different hobbies.

Contrast or offer a choice

Aber means but and marks a contrast. Oder means or and offers a choice. Both leave ordinary statement word order unchanged.

Ich mag Tee, aber ich trinke keinen Kaffee.

I like tea, but I do not drink coffee.

Trinkst du Tee oder Kaffee?

Do you drink tea or coffee?

Ich habe einen Bruder, aber keine Schwester.

I have a brother but no sister.

Am Sonntag lese ich oder gehe spazieren.

On Sunday I read or go for a walk.

Compare Ich mag Tee, aber ich trinke keinen Kaffee with Trinkst du Tee oder Kaffee? Match the connector to your intended meaning.

A learner writes a short personal introduction while a friend listens beside a map and work bag.

Give a reason with denn

Denn means because. It joins a statement to its reason, with a comma before denn. The following clause keeps its usual subject and verb order.

Ich lerne Deutsch, denn ich arbeite in Berlin.

I learn German because I work in Berlin.

Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn ich bin müde.

I am staying home because I am tired.

Ich nehme den Bus, denn mein Auto ist kaputt.

I am taking the bus because my car is broken.

Wir kochen, denn wir haben Hunger.

We are cooking because we are hungry.

Say Ich lerne Deutsch, denn ich arbeite in Berlin. You can now connect your name, home, work, interests and plans in a short introduction.

Ready to try it?

Check what you remember with 12 short questions.