B2-46 · Give reasons in debates about school reform
Education policy
Give reasons with da and zumal, explain with nämlich and denn, and place the verb correctly with each connector.
About 5 minutes to read · 12 quiz questions
01
Da: a known reason, often first
Da means since or as and introduces a reason, like weil. It sends the verb to the end of its clause. Da is common in formal texts, often at the start of the sentence, and it suggests that the reason is already known or accepted.
Da viele Lehrkräfte fehlen, werden größere Klassen gebildet.
Since many teachers are missing, larger classes are being formed.
Da die Reform viel Geld kostet, diskutiert der Landtag lange.
As the reform costs a lot of money, the state parliament is debating it at length.
Da Eltern mehr Mitsprache wollen, plant die Schule eine Umfrage.
Since parents want more of a say, the school is planning a survey.
Da die Ganztagsschule ausgebaut wird, brauchen die Gemeinden mehr Personal.
As all-day schooling is being expanded, the municipalities need more staff.
When the da-clause comes first, the main clause starts with its verb: Da die Reform viel Geld kostet, diskutiert der Landtag lange. Die Mitsprache means having a say, and die Umfrage means the survey.
02
Zumal: an extra, decisive reason
Zumal means especially since. It adds a reason that makes the statement even more convincing. Like da, it sends the verb to the end, but the zumal-clause usually follows the main clause.
Die Reform ist umstritten, zumal sie kaum getestet wurde.
The reform is controversial, especially since it was hardly tested.
Viele Eltern sind skeptisch, zumal die Klassen schon jetzt voll sind.
Many parents are sceptical, especially since the classes are already full.
Digitale Tafeln helfen wenig, zumal das WLAN oft ausfällt.
Digital whiteboards help little, especially since the Wi-Fi often fails.
Die Lehrkräfte wünschen sich mehr Zeit, zumal der Lehrplan erweitert wurde.
The teachers would like more time, especially since the curriculum has been expanded.
Zumal is formal and typical of comments and reports. Umstritten means controversial, das WLAN the Wi-Fi and der Lehrplan the curriculum.
03
Nämlich: the reason in a second main clause
Nämlich gives a reason in a separate main clause after the statement. It is an adverb, not a conjunction: it never stands at the start of its clause and does not change the word order. It usually comes right after the verb or a pronoun. Denn has a similar meaning, but it opens its clause and is followed by normal main-clause word order.
| Word order | Connector | Example |
|---|---|---|
| verb at the end | da, weil, zumal | zumal die Klassen voll sind |
| at the start, then verb second | denn | denn die Klassen sind voll |
| after the verb | nämlich | Die Klassen sind nämlich voll. |
Die Schule führt eine Pause ohne Handy ein. Die Schüler sollen sich nämlich besser konzentrieren.
The school is introducing a phone-free break. The reason is that the pupils should concentrate better.
Wir brauchen mehr Sozialarbeiter. Viele Kinder haben nämlich Probleme zu Hause.
We need more social workers. Many children have problems at home, you see.
Die Reform kommt später. Es fehlt nämlich an Geld und Personal.
The reform is coming later. There is a lack of money and staff, you see.
Ich unterstütze die Reform, denn sie gibt den Schulen mehr Freiheit.
I support the reform, because it gives schools more freedom.
Wrong: Nämlich die Klassen sind voll. Right: Die Klassen sind nämlich voll. Nämlich is common in speech and neutral writing, while da and zumal sound more formal.
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