Subordinate clauses with dass
A2 · Elementary · Cases & Verbs
The rule
dass introduces content clauses; verb final.
How it works
Dass (that) introduces a clause that reports a fact, opinion or expectation. It is used after verbs such as sagen, denken, wissen and hoffen. The verb goes to the end of the clause. Dass is always written with ß, and it is different from das (the article or pronoun).
When to use it
Use dass (that) to introduce a clause that reports a statement or opinion, with the verb at the end.
Use cases
- Reporting what someone said: Er sagt, dass er müde ist
- Expressing hopes: Ich hoffe, dass es morgen nicht regnet
- Stating a fact: Es ist gut, dass du kommst
Examples
- Ich denke, dass er recht hat – I think that he is right
- Ich weiß, dass sie in Berlin wohnt. – I know that she lives in Berlin.
- Er glaubt, dass der Test schwer ist. – He thinks that the test is hard.
- Es freut mich, dass du da bist. – I am glad that you are here.
Common mistake
Dropping dass or leaving the verb in second position, which makes the sentence sound like a main clause.
Memory tip
Dass sends the verb to the end: "Ich weiß, dass er kommt."
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Verbs and Word Order: Tenses, Modals and Sentence Structure.