TOPIC · Sentence structure & conjunctions

Distinguishing Nachdem and Bevor in German

B1B2

After the lesson, you will be able to use the conjunctions *nachdem* and *bevor* correctly.

In this lesson, we will explore the German conjunctions nachdem and bevor. These words indicate the temporal relationship between two actions or events, and it is essential to use them correctly to avoid confusion. Let’s begin our journey!

1. Similarities

  • Both nachdem and bevor are temporal conjunctions that introduce subordinate clauses.
  • They express the sequence of two actions that do not occur simultaneously.

2. Differences

Here are the fundamental differences between nachdem and bevor:

NachdemBevor
- The main clause describes the action that occurs after the subordinate clause.- The main clause describes the action that happens before the subordinate clause.
- The subordinate clause with nachdem usually appears in a past tense or describes an action that precedes the main clause.- The subordinate clause with bevor often shares the same tense as the main clause, typically the present tense.
Examples:Examples:
Nachdem ich die Prüfung bestanden hatte, feierte ich.
(After I had passed the exam, I celebrated.)
➡️ The celebration happens after passing the exam.Sie geht ins Kino, bevor der Film beginnt.
(She goes to the cinema before the movie starts.)
➡️ Going to the cinema occurs before the movie starts.

3. Tenses and Their Application

  • If the main clause is in the present tense, the subordinate clause with nachdem is usually in the perfect tense.
  • If the main clause is in the simple past, the subordinate clause with nachdem is typically in the past perfect.

Examples for using nachdem:

  • Present and Perfect:
    Nachdem sie das Essen gekocht hat, ist sie müde.
    (She is tired after cooking the food.)
Subordinate ClauseMain Clause
Nachdem sie ins Krankenhaus gekommen war,fand die Operation statt.
Past PerfectSimple Past

Examples for using bevor:

  • Present:
    Bevor ich gehe, muss ich meinen Schlüssel nehmen.
    (Before I leave, I have to take my key.)
Subordinate ClauseMain Clause
Bevor die Sonne aufgeht,werden wir aufstehen.
PresentPresent

By practicing these phrases and their conjugations appropriately, we can distinguish between nachdem and bevor. Keep practicing to internalize these structures and communicate clearly! Good luck with your German studies!