In the process of learning German, we will certainly come across the pair of temporal conjunctions nachdem and bevor. Confusion between these two conjunctions can easily occur when practicing German.
In the process of learning German, we will certainly come across the pair of temporal conjunctions nachdem and bevor. Confusing these two conjunctions is entirely possible during German practice. Therefore, this article will give you the most comprehensive overview as well as help you distinguish how to use these two conjunctions.
Let's get started!!
1. Similarities:
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Nachdem and Bevor are both temporal conjunctions and both are used with a subordinate clause (Nebensatz).
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Both express two actions that do NOT occur simultaneously.
2. Differences:
| Nachdem
| Bevor | | --- | --- | |
- The main clause (Hauptsatz) is the clause that occurs later.
| - The main clause (Hauptsatz) is the clause that occurs first. | |
- The subordinate clause (Nebensatz) must be shifted back one tense relative to the main clause.
| - Both clauses are in the same tense. | |
Nachdem ich zu Abend gegessen hatte, habe ich die Hausaufgaben gemacht.
(After I had eaten dinner, I did my homework.)
→ The action of doing homework occurs later.
→ Hauptsatz is in the simple past (Präteritum), the Nebensatz with Nachdem is in the past perfect (Plusquamperfekt).
|
Sie trinkt Kaffee, bevor Julia telefoniert.
(She drinks coffee before Julia calls.)
→ The action of drinking coffee occurs first.
→ Both the Hauptsatz and the Nebensatz with Bevor occur in the present (Präsens).
|
!!!Rule for tense shifting in the subordinate clause:
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- If the main clause is in the Präsens, then the subordinate clause is in the Perfekt
"Nachdem sie nette Leute getroffen hat, | fühlt sie sich in Freiburg sehr wohl." |
Perfekt | Präsens |
Nebensatz | Hauptsatz |
- If the main clause is in Präteritum, then the subordinate clause is in Plusquamperfekt
"Nachdem sie in Freiburg angekommen war, | fand sie schnell eine Wohnung." |
Plusquamperfekt | Präteritum |
Nebensatz | Hauptsatz |
After the above article, we hope you have grasped how to use nachdem and bevor. Thank you for following along. Wishing you success on your journey to mastering German!!!
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Knowledge test
Distinguishing Nachdem and Bevor in German
- 1.
............... ich Koch war, musste ich eine Ausbildung machen.
- 2.
........... er sie gelesen hat, wird er nervös.
- 3.
.......... er gestürzt war, tat ihm das linke Bein weh.