When studying sentence structure in German at the A2-B1 level, especially sentences with 2 or more clauses, you will come across the term ADUSO. But many learners don't understand what it is or how to use it. Let's explore this together with Vogel!
When learning about sentence structure in German at the A2-B1 level, especially sentences with 2 or more clauses, you will come across the term ADUSO. But many learners don't understand what it is or how to use it. Let's explore this with Vogel!
- What exactly is ADUSO?
- ADUSO is actually an acronym made up of the first letters of 5 conjunctions grouped together:
A: aber (but)
D: denn (because)
U: und (and)
S: sondern (but, rather)
O: oder (or)
- Why does the term ADUSO exist?
- Looking back at the 5 conjunctions above, we can see that they all share a common feature: they are all conjunctions that function to connect clauses. And following each of these conjunctions is a clause with the standard structure:
S (subject) + V (verb) + …
Therefore, the ADUSO group was formed to help us more easily remember the conjunctions that connect clauses, in which the word order remains unchanged (meaning the verb stays in the second position).
- The semantic functions of the conjunctions in the ADUSO group
aber (but) connects contrasting clauses | Ich möchte ins Kino gehen, habe aber keine Zeit. (I want to go to the cinema but I don't have time.) |
denn (because) connects clauses expressing cause and effect | Ich bin nicht zur Schule gegangen denn ich war krank. (I didn't go to school because I was sick.) |
und (and) connects clauses carrying an additive meaning | Anna kann singen und sie kann Klavier spielen. (Anna can sing and she can play the piano.) |
sondern (but, rather) connects contrasting clauses | Er ist nicht gut in Mathe, sondern er ist gut in Literatur. (He is not good at math, but rather good at literature.) |
oder (or) connects 2 clauses indicating a choice | Sie können gehen ins Kino oder Sie bleiben zu Hause. (You can go to the cinema or you can stay at home.) |
Knowledge test
What are the ADUSO conjunctions in German
- 1.
Trinkst du gerne Milch ...... Orangensaft?
- 2.
Mein Vater liest sein Lieblingsbuch .... meine Mutter hört Musik.
- 3.
Er wird kommen, ..... er kann nicht lange bleiben.