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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)

ConnectorMeaningClause TypeRegister
infolgedessenas a consequenceHauptsatzvery formal
nicht nur … sondern auchnot only … but alsoHauptsatzneutral
zumalespecially sinceNebensatzformal
indemby doingNebensatzneutral
je … destothe … the …mixedneutral
wenngleichalthoughNebensatzformal
mithinthusHauptsatzvery formal
ungeachtetdespiteprepositionalvery 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:

👉 https://konnektoren.help


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