A main clause usually contains a subject and a conjugated verb. Coordinating conjunctions can be used to connect two main clauses.
Both clauses are independent and equal. The word order in each one doesn't change.
The conjunction "denn" is a coordinating conjunction that joins two main clauses. The second part provides more information about the first part.
Unlike the conjunctions "und" and "oder", there is always a comma before "denn"!
| Without conjunction: | Wir brauchen einen Staubsauger. | Der Teppich hat Flecken. | ||||
| With conjunction: | Wir brauchen einen Staubsauger, | denn | der Teppich hat Flecken. | |||
| Without conjunction: | Du bist ein Säufer. | Du hast alles getrunken. | ||||
| With conjunction: | Du bist ein Säufer, | denn | du hast alles getrunken. |
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A subtle difference "denn" has the same meaning as "weil". Both words introduce a reason. Grammatically, however, they differ. "denn" is a coordinating conjunction, connecting one main clause to another. That's why the word order of the second clause doesn't change. Examples: Wir brauchen einen Staubsauger, weil der Teppich Flecken hat. |