All German word comparisons · Back to the topic overview
Meaning, sentence patterns and examples
| Word | Core meaning | Typical context | Grammar |
|---|---|---|---|
| dann | Then; afterwards; in that case | Sequences, plans and consequences | Uninflected adverb; first position followed by the finite verb. |
| denn | Because; a conversational question particle | Reasons and engaged questions | Uninflected conjunction or particle; causal denn keeps main-clause word order. |
dann
Meaning and usage: Use dann to put one event after another or explain what follows if a condition holds. It does not always describe time: in “Dann brauchen wir mehr Stühle,” the speaker may mean “In that case, we need more chairs.” The previous sentence establishes the situation.
Grammar: Adverb; no inflection. In a main clause, fronted dann occupies the first position and the finite verb comes next: Dann bestellen wir. It can also appear later: Wir bestellen dann.
Wir lesen zuerst die Speisekarte. Dann bestellen wir.
First we read the menu. Then we order.
Wenn Lea auch kommt, dann brauchen wir einen größeren Tisch.
If Lea is coming too, then we need a larger table.
denn
Meaning and usage: As a conjunction, denn introduces the reason for the preceding statement. As a particle in questions, it can signal interest, surprise or a connection to the conversation. It often has no separate English translation. Tone and context matter: adding denn does not automatically make every question polite.
Grammar: Coordinating conjunction or particle; no inflection. After causal denn, the following clause keeps main-clause word order: denn ich bin müde. As a question particle, it usually appears inside the clause: Was machst du denn?
Ich nehme die Jacke mit, denn draußen ist es kalt.
I am taking my jacket because it is cold outside.
Was liest du denn gerade?
What are you reading at the moment?
Overlap and context
Both words connect an utterance to its context, but dann points to a next step or consequence while causal denn provides a reason. Compare “Es regnet. Dann bleiben wir zu Hause” with “Wir bleiben zu Hause, denn es regnet.” Duden also records regional denn meaning dann and special uses of dann in questions. These exceptions do not replace the standard patterns taught here.
Common mistakes
- Do not put the finite verb at the end after causal denn: denn ich bin müde, not denn ich müde bin.
- Avoid confusing dann ich gehe with Dann gehe ich. When dann begins a main clause, the finite verb follows it.
- Do not translate particle denn as “because” in every question.
Memory aid: Dann moves the conversation forward: “then.” Denn gives a reason or adds interest to a question.
Try it
Fill both gaps: “Ich bin müde, ___ ich habe wenig geschlafen. ___ gehe ich heute früh ins Bett.”
Show the answer
denn; Dann
The first gap introduces the reason and keeps main-clause word order. The second gives the next step, with gehe immediately after Dann.