German · A2 · Everyday language
So that is what happens in German
Connect an everyday situation with what you do next using deshalb (so / therefore). State the reason first, then use deshalb to introduce the result.
What you'll learn
- Use deshalb to connect a reason with its result.
- Put the finite verb directly after deshalb when deshalb starts the result clause.
- Describe simple responses to everyday situations.
German phrases for so that is what happens
Der Becher ist undicht, deshalb brauchen wir einen anderen.
The cup leaks, so we need another one.
Deshalb introduces the result: brauchen comes directly after it.
Meine Hände sind klebrig, deshalb wasche ich sie.
My hands are sticky, so I am washing them.
The result begins deshalb wasche ich, with the verb before the subject.
Der Boden ist nass, deshalb gehen wir langsam.
The floor is wet, so we are walking slowly.
The wet floor is the reason; walking slowly is the result.
Die Klingel ist kaputt, deshalb klopfen wir.
The bell is broken, so we are knocking.
Klingel means the doorbell here. Klopfen follows deshalb directly.
Die Tasche ist schwer, deshalb tragen wir sie zusammen.
The bag is heavy, so we are carrying it together.
Deshalb links the heavy bag with the decision to carry it together.
Der Laden ist geschlossen, deshalb gehen wir nach Hause.
The shop is shut, so we are going home.
The result clause starts deshalb gehen wir.
Dein Ärmel ist nass, deshalb wechseln wir dein Oberteil.
Your sleeve is wet, so we are changing your top.
The wet sleeve is the reason for changing the top.
Die Musik ist laut, deshalb schließe ich die Tür.
The music is loud, so I am closing the door.
Schließe is in second position, between deshalb and ich.
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
deshalb
so / therefore / for that reason
Introduces a result based on the preceding reason.
der Becher
cup / beaker
Plural: die Becher.
undicht
leaky / not watertight
Ein Becher ist undicht means that a cup leaks.
die Hand
hand
Plural: die Hände.
klebrig
sticky
Useful for hands after eating or doing crafts.
der Boden
floor / ground
Plural: die Böden.
die Klingel
bell / doorbell
Plural: die Klingeln.
klopfen
to knock
Used here for knocking on a door.
die Tasche
bag
Plural: die Taschen.
der Laden
shop
Plural: die Läden.
der Ärmel
sleeve
Plural: die Ärmel.
das Oberteil
top / upper-body garment
Plural: die Oberteile.
die Musik
music
Normally used without a plural.
die Tür
door
Plural: die Türen.
Reason first, result with deshalb
First say what the situation is. Then use deshalb to introduce what happens as a result. In these sentences, deshalb corresponds to English “so.”
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reason | A statement describing the situation | Die Klingel ist kaputt. |
| Result | deshalb + finite verb + subject | Deshalb klopfen wir. |
| Connected sentence | Reason, deshalb + finite verb + subject. | Die Klingel ist kaputt, deshalb klopfen wir. |
The verb comes directly after deshalb
When deshalb starts the result clause, it takes first position. The finite verb—the verb form that matches the subject—takes second position, followed by the subject. Say deshalb gehen wir, not deshalb wir gehen. You can put a comma or a full stop before the result clause.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| With wir | deshalb + gehen + wir | Der Boden ist nass, deshalb gehen wir langsam. |
| With ich | deshalb + schließe + ich | Die Musik ist laut, deshalb schließe ich die Tür. |
| After a full stop | Reason. Deshalb + finite verb + subject. | Der Laden ist geschlossen. Deshalb gehen wir nach Hause. |
More examples
Es regnet, deshalb bleiben wir zu Hause.
It is raining, so we are staying at home.
Deshalb is followed directly by bleiben, then wir.
Du bist müde, deshalb machen wir eine Pause.
You are tired, so we are taking a break.
Being tired is the reason; taking a break is the result.
Die Suppe ist heiß. Deshalb warten wir noch.
The soup is hot. So we are waiting a little longer.
After a full stop, the word order stays Deshalb + verb + subject.