German Connectors Explained in English – Part 3
German Connectors Explained in English – Part 3
Advanced Connectors for Formal Writing, Exams, and Argumentation
By Konnektoren | Berlin | 19th December 2025 19:29
At higher levels of German (B2–C1), connectors are no longer just about linking sentences. They are used to structure arguments, compare positions, limit statements, and express precise logical relations. Many of these connectors appear frequently in academic texts, opinion pieces, exams (TestDaF, DSH), and professional writing.
This part focuses on advanced connectors that learners often understand passively but hesitate to use actively.
1. infolgedessen – as a consequence / consequently
🧠 Meaning
Expresses a direct consequence in a formal, academic style.
🧱 Clause Type
Hauptsatz
🔀 Word Order
Verb in second position
Connector occupies position 1
🇩🇪 Example
Die Preise sind stark gestiegen. Infolgedessen ist die Nachfrage gesunken.
🌍 Translation
Prices have risen sharply. As a consequence, demand has decreased.
✍️ Usage
Very formal
Typical in reports, analyses, academic texts
More formal than deshalb or daher
2. nicht nur … sondern auch – not only … but also
🧠 Meaning
Adds emphasis by linking two elements and highlighting the second one.
🧱 Clause Type
Hauptsatz (parallel structure)
🔀 Word Order
Normal verb position
Verb often follows sondern auch
🇩🇪 Example
Er spricht nicht nur Deutsch, sondern auch Englisch und Französisch.
🌍 Translation
He speaks not only German, but also English and French.
✍️ Usage
Very common in written and spoken German
Useful for structured arguments and descriptions
3. zumal – especially since
🧠 Meaning
Gives an additional reason that strengthens the main argument.
🧱 Clause Type
Nebensatz
🔀 Word Order
Verb at the end
🇩🇪 Example
Wir sollten gehen, zumal es schon spät ist.
🌍 Translation
We should leave, especially since it is already late.
✍️ Usage
Formal and nuanced
Often used in justification and argumentation
Usually follows the main clause
4. indem – by doing (something)
🧠 Meaning
Describes how something is done (method or means).
🧱 Clause Type
Nebensatz
🔀 Word Order
Verb at the end
🇩🇪 Example
Er verbesserte sein Deutsch, indem er täglich las.
🌍 Translation
He improved his German by reading every day.
✍️ Usage
Often confused with dadurch, dass
Focuses on process, not result
5. je … desto / umso – the … the …
🧠 Meaning
Expresses a proportional relationship.
🧱 Clause Type
First part: Nebensatz
Second part: Hauptsatz
🔀 Word Order
je-clause: verb at the end
desto/umso-clause: verb in second position
🇩🇪 Example
Je mehr man übt, desto besser wird man.
🌍 Translation
The more one practices, the better one becomes.
✍️ Usage
Very common in academic and argumentative writing
Fixed structure — cannot be changed
6. wenngleich – although (formal)
🧠 Meaning
Expresses a concession, similar to obwohl, but more formal.
🧱 Clause Type
Nebensatz
🔀 Word Order
Verb at the end
🇩🇪 Example
Wenngleich das Projekt schwierig war, war es erfolgreich.
🌍 Translation
Although the project was difficult, it was successful.
✍️ Usage
High-register, formal
Common in academic texts and essays
7. mithin – thus / consequently
🧠 Meaning
Draws a logical conclusion.
🧱 Clause Type
Hauptsatz
🔀 Word Order
Verb in second position
🇩🇪 Example
Die Daten sind unvollständig, mithin ist die Analyse begrenzt.
🌍 Translation
The data is incomplete; thus, the analysis is limited.
✍️ Usage
Very formal
Mostly written German
Rare in spoken language
8. ungeachtet – despite / regardless of
🧠 Meaning
Expresses concession without a verb (often with a noun).
🧱 Clause Type
Prepositional construction (not a full clause)
🔀 Word Order
No verb change
🇩🇪 Example
Ungeachtet der Kritik setzte er das Projekt fort.
🌍 Translation
Despite the criticism, he continued the project.
✍️ Usage
Highly formal
Common in legal and academic language
Summary Table (Part 3)
| Connector | Meaning | Clause Type | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| infolgedessen | as a consequence | Hauptsatz | very formal |
| nicht nur … sondern auch | not only … but also | Hauptsatz | neutral |
| zumal | especially since | Nebensatz | formal |
| indem | by doing | Nebensatz | neutral |
| je … desto | the … the … | mixed | neutral |
| wenngleich | although | Nebensatz | formal |
| mithin | thus | Hauptsatz | very formal |
| ungeachtet | despite | prepositional | very formal |
Final Remark
Advanced German connectors are not about complexity for its own sake — they allow you to argue precisely, limit statements, and sound educated and confident. Once mastered, they significantly improve both writing and speaking at higher levels.
A complete, structured overview of German connectors by level, meaning, and word order is available at:
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