dass
that
Dass introduces a subordinate clause, similar to English 'that'. It is used after verbs of saying, thinking, feeling, and wanting, and in certain fixed expressions. The verb in a dass-clause goes to the end.
Heard in real German videos
Lines where dass was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Ich weiß, dass das eine gute Idee ist.I know that this is a good idea.
- Ich will, dass du es mir sagst.I want you to tell me.
- Es freut mich, dass du so weit bist.I am glad that you have come this far.
Example sentences
- Ich weiß, dass du recht hast.I know that you are right.
- Er sagt, dass er morgen kommt.He says that he is coming tomorrow.
- Sie hofft, dass es klappt.She hopes that it works out.
- Wir freuen uns, dass du da bist.We are glad that you are here.
Grammar
| Type | Subordinating conjunction |
|---|---|
| Word order | Verb goes to the end of the clause |
| Punctuation | Comma before dass |
Always use a comma before dass, and the conjugated verb moves to the end of the clause.
Common phrases
- so dassso that
- ohne dasswithout
- statt dassinstead of
- es sei denn, dassunless
The mistake English speakers make
Confusing dass with das (the article or pronoun). Dass is a conjunction meaning 'that'; das is an article or demonstrative pronoun meaning 'the' or 'that'.
Don’t confuse it with
- das — Das is an article or pronoun (the/that), while dass is a conjunction (that).
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between dass and das?
Dass is a conjunction meaning 'that', while das is an article or pronoun meaning 'the' or 'that'.
Does the verb go to the end in a dass clause?
Yes, in a subordinate clause introduced by dass, the conjugated verb goes to the end.
When do you use a comma before dass?
Always use a comma before dass, as it introduces a subordinate clause.