3. Connectors

Overview

When we speak or write in English, we often need to join ideas together. We use connectors to do this. Connectors are words like and, but, because, and so. They help our sentences sound smoother and more natural.

In this lesson, you will learn some common connectors and how to use them. You will see them in a short conversation, practice them in exercises, and try them in your own sentences. By the end of the lesson, you will be able to connect your ideas more clearly and communicate with more confidence.

Conversations

Studying at the library.

	Cathy and Sarah are studying at the university library.	Cathy und Sarah lernen in der Universitätsbibliothek.
Cathy:	I’m very busy this week because I have two books to read for my course.	Ich bin diese Woche sehr beschäftigt, weil ich für meinen Kurs zwei Bücher lesen muss.
Sarah:	Are the books interesting?	Sind die Bücher interessant?
Cathy:	I like one book, but the other one is difficult. I want to finish the easy book first, and then I will start the difficult one.	Ich mag ein Buch, aber das andere ist schwierig. Ich möchte zuerst das leichte Buch fertig lesen und dann mit dem schwierigen anfangen.
Sarah:	Let me read the books when you are done.	Lass mich die Bücher lesen, wenn du fertig bist.
Cathy:	Sure, no problem. I have a lot to study this week.	Klar, kein Problem. Ich habe diese Woche viel zu lernen.
Sarah:	Me too. I feel very busy with my classes.	Ich auch. Ich fühle mich sehr beschäftigt mit meinen Kursen.
Cathy:	How many courses do you have this term?	Wie viele Kurse hast du dieses Semester?
Sarah:	I have five courses, but one course is only four weeks long.	Ich habe fünf Kurse, aber ein Kurs dauert nur vier Wochen.
Cathy:	You are busy! We can study for an hour, and after that, we can take a short break.	Du bist beschäftigt! Wir können eine Stunde lernen, und danach können wir eine kurze Pause machen.
Sarah:	Good idea. It’s a busy week; however, we are learning many new things.	Gute Idee. Es ist eine arbeitsreiche Woche; trotzdem lernen wir viele neue Dinge.

Grammar: Connectors (Linking Words)

Connectors are small words that help us join ideas. They make our speaking and writing easier to understand. Here are some common connectors that are used in conversational English.

Adding Information

We use these connectors to add more information.

Connector	Meaning
and	und
also	auch

When and connects two complete sentences, a comma is required after the first sentence. If also starts a sentence, a comma is used after it.

Examples

I bought apples and oranges at the store.	Ich habe im Laden Äpfel und Orangen gekauft.
She likes to read books and watch movies.	Sie liest gerne Bücher und sieht Filme.
He plays guitar, and he also sings.	Er spielt Gitarre und singt auch.

Choice and Alternatives

These connectors are used to provide choices and alternatives.

Connector	Meaning
or	oder
alternatively	alternativ

When or connects two complete sentences, a comma is required after the first sentence. Alternatively requires a comma after it.

Examples

We can leave now, or we can wait until tomorrow.	Wir können jetzt gehen oder bis morgen warten.
Would you like tea or coffee?	Möchten Sie Tee oder Kaffee?
Alternatively, we could take the train.	Alternativ könnten wir mit dem Zug fahren.

Giving a Reason

We use the connector because to explain why something happens.

Connector	Meaning
because	weil
since	seit

Examples

I stayed home because I was sick.	Ich blieb zu Hause, weil ich krank war.
She studied hard because she wanted to pass the exam.	Sie lernte fleißig, weil sie die Prüfung bestehen wollte.
Since the shop was closed, we left.	Da der Laden geschlossen war, gingen wir.

Showing Contrast

We use these words to connect two different or opposite ideas.

Connector	Meaning
but	aber
however	jedoch

Examples

I have two books, but one is difficult.	Ich habe zwei Bücher, aber eines ist schwierig.
The book is long. However, it is interesting.	Das Buch ist lang. Es ist aber interessant.

Showing Time or Order

We use these words to show two different or opposite ideas.

Connector	Meaning
then	dann
after that	danach

Examples

I will read this book, then I will start the next one.	Ich werde dieses Buch lesen, dann werde ich mit dem nächsten anfangen.
I finish my homework. After that, I go to class.	Ich mache meine Hausaufgaben fertig. Danach gehe ich in die Klasse.

Showing Results

We use these words to show the effect of something.

Connector	Meaning
so	so, also
therefore	daher

Examples

You work hard, so you will do well.	Sie arbeiten hart, also werden Sie erfolgreich sein.
I have many courses, so I am very busy.	Ich habe viele Kurse, also bin ich sehr beschäftigt.
The road was closed; therefore, we took another route.	Die Straße war gesperrt, deshalb nahmen wir eine andere Route.

Quiz

Use the connector in parentheses to join the two sentences together. Make sure to use a comma when required.

Example
Question: The cat is black. He is small. (and)
Answer: The cat is black, and he is small.

1) Cathy has two books. One is difficult. (but)

2) Sarah studies. She wants to learn more. (because)

3) They take a break. They start studying. (and after that)

4) The class is short. It is helpful. (however)

5) Cathy reads her notes. She watches videos. (and)

6) Sarah has many courses. She is very busy. (so)

7) I will read this chapter. I will take a break. (then)

8) We can go to the beach. We can go hiking. (or)

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