Why Connectors Raise Your Score Fast
Examiners at B1 and B2 reward two things above almost everything else: how much you can say, and how clearly you link it. Connectors — the words that join ideas — deliver both. One accurate connective can turn two simple sentences into a complex one, which is exactly what the criteria ask for.
Ich lerne Deutsch. Ich möchte in Deutschland studieren.
Two short sentences. Correct, but flat. [Before]
Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich in Deutschland studieren möchte.
One complex sentence with a subordinate clause. [After]
The trap
Connectors are not interchangeable. Each one belongs to a group, and each group changes word order in a different way. Using the right word with the wrong word order loses more marks than using a simple sentence.
The Three Groups
Every German connector falls into one of three grammatical categories, and the category decides what happens to the verb.
Learn the connector with its word-order effect. A list without the grammar is worse than no list, because it invites errors.
Group 1: Coordinating
These five sit between two main clauses and change nothing. The second clause keeps ordinary main-clause word order.
denn vs weil
Both mean because, but denn keeps normal word order and weil sends the verb to the end. sondern is only used after a negative — it corrects, it does not simply contrast.Group 2: Subordinating
These send the conjugated verb to the very end of the clause. This is the group that carries the most marks in writing, and the one most often got wrong.
Ich bin zu spät gekommen, weil der Bus nicht gekommen ist.
I arrived late because the bus did not come. [Two verbs at the end]
um … zu and damit
Both express purpose. Use um … zu when the subject is the same in both halves, and damit when the subjects differ.
Ich lerne jeden Tag, um die Prüfung zu bestehen.
I study every day in order to pass the exam. [Same subject → um … zu]
Ich spreche langsam, damit du mich verstehst.
I speak slowly so that you understand me. [Different subjects → damit]
Group 3: Adverbial Connectors
These take position one, which pushes the subject behind the verb. They are the most useful group for writing at B1 to B2, because they signal argument structure.
Watch the inversion
After these connectors the verb comes second, before the subject: Deshalb bin ich …, never Deshalb ich bin …. This is the same inversion you see after a fronted time phrase.Connectors by Function
In a writing task you rarely need everything. Aim for one connector from each function that fits your argument.
Einerseits ist das Studium teuer, andererseits verbessert es die Berufschancen.
On the one hand the degree is expensive, on the other hand it improves career prospects. [Balanced argument]
Three Upgrades for Higher Marks
Replace the connectors you overuse with the ones that signal a higher level.
One at a time
Do not upgrade everything at once. Pick two connectors that feel comfortable, use them until they are automatic, then add two more. A paragraph stuffed with unfamiliar connectors reads worse than a clean one with three reliable ones.
Common Mistakes
The obwohl … aber error is one of the most common in German writing, because English speakers expect the "but". In German the conjunction already does that work.
Practice
Join each pair with the connector in brackets, then check the verb position.
- Ich habe viel gelernt. Ich habe die Prüfung bestanden. (deshalb)
- Er ist sehr müde. Er geht noch ins Kino. (obwohl)
- Wir müssen sparen. Wir kaufen ein neues Auto. (trotzdem)
- Ich lerne Deutsch. Ich möchte in Wien arbeiten. (um … zu)
- Das Buch ist interessant. Es ist auch günstig. (außerdem)
1. Ich habe viel gelernt, deshalb habe ich die Prüfung bestanden. 2. Obwohl er sehr müde ist, geht er noch ins Kino. 3. Wir müssen sparen, trotzdem kaufen wir ein neues Auto. 4. Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Wien zu arbeiten. 5. Das Buch ist interessant, außerdem ist es günstig.
Check each one for inversion, verb-final order or the um … zu pattern. [Answers]
Check your linking
Paste a written answer into the Lingaso writing analyser to see whether your connectors are followed by the right word order.Where to Go Next
Connectors only work if the clause structure beneath them is correct, so keep German word order open while you practise. For exam writing, the Goethe B1 and B2 vocabulary guides show exactly which connectors each level expects.
FAQ
What is the difference between denn and weil?
Both mean because. denn is coordinating, so the following clause keeps normal word order; weil is subordinating, so the verb moves to the end. The meaning is the same, the grammar is not.
Why does deshalb change the word order?
Because deshalb is an adverbial and occupies position one. That pushes the verb into position two and the subject behind it, producing deshalb bin ich rather than deshalb ich bin.
When do I use um … zu instead of damit?
Use um … zu when the subject of both clauses is the same, and damit when the subjects are different. Damit also requires the verb to go to the end of its clause.
How many connectors should I use in a B2 writing task?
There is no fixed number, but a well-structured answer usually contains one connector per sentence or two, spread across functions — adding, contrasting, causing and concluding. Repetition of the same one is what costs marks.