German Consequence Connectors: therefore, as a result, consequently
Learn to express results in German using deshalb, deswegen, daher, folglich and infolgedessen, with word-order rules and examples.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
In German, showing a result is not just a matter of choosing the right word; it also affects word order. This lesson teaches five common consequence connectors: deshalb, deswegen, daher, folglich and infolgedessen. You will learn their meanings, register, and how they change the position of the verb. By the end, you will be able to connect a cause and a result naturally, for example: 'Es hat geregnet; deshalb sind wir drinnen geblieben.'
By the end, you can…
- use deshalb, deswegen, daher, folglich and infolgedessen to express results.
- apply correct word order after these connectors in main clauses.
- choose the right connector for formal or informal contexts.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Es hat geregnet; deshalb sind wir drinnen geblieben.
It rained; therefore, we stayed inside.
es hat guh-REGN-et; DESS-halp zint vear DRIN-nen guh-BLEE-ben
Deshalb is the most common neutral connector; the verb comes immediately after it.
Der Zug hatte Verspätung, deswegen kam ich zu spät.
The train was delayed; as a result, I arrived late.
dair tsook HAT-te fair-SHPAY-toong, DESS-vay-gen kahm ikh tsoo shpayt
Deswegen is very similar to deshalb and is common in everyday spoken German.
Sie hat viel gelernt; daher hat sie die Prüfung bestanden.
She studied a lot; consequently, she passed the exam.
zee hat feel guh-LAIRNT; DAIR-hair hat zee dee PRUE-foong guh-SHTAN-den
Daher is slightly more formal and often used in writing.
Die Preise sind gestiegen; folglich kaufen weniger Leute ein.
Prices have risen; consequently, fewer people are shopping.
dee PRY-ze zint guh-SHTEE-gen; FOLG-likh KOW-fen VAY-ni-ger LOY-te ine
Folglich is formal and typical of reports, essays, and news.
Er hat den Termin verpasst; infolgedessen muss er warten.
He missed the appointment; as a result, he has to wait.
air hat dane tair-MEEN fair-PAST; in-FOL-guh-dess MOOS air VAR-ten
Infolgedessen is the most formal option and is rare in casual speech.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
These connectors are adverbs, not conjunctions. When they start a main clause, they take position 1, and the finite verb comes in position 2. Example: 'Es hat geregnet; deshalb sind wir drinnen geblieben.' Here, 'deshalb' is position 1, 'sind' is position 2, and 'wir' follows. The same pattern applies to deswegen, daher, folglich and infolgedessen. If the connector appears later in the clause, normal word order applies: 'Wir sind deshalb drinnen geblieben.'
When to use it
Use deshalb and deswegen in neutral and informal contexts, both spoken and written. Daher is a good choice for slightly formal writing. Folglich and infolgedessen are best for academic, legal, or news texts. For example, in a casual conversation: 'Ich hatte keine Zeit, deswegen habe ich nicht angerufen.' In a report: 'Die Nachfrage stieg; folglich erhöhte das Unternehmen die Produktion.' Avoid infolgedessen in everyday speech unless you want a very formal tone.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Warum bist du gestern nicht zur Party gekommen?
Why didn't you come to the party yesterday?var-OOM bist doo GES-tairn nikht tsoor PAR-tee guh-KOM-menIch musste länger arbeiten; deshalb war ich zu müde.
I had to work longer; therefore, I was too tired.ikh MOOS-te LENG-er AR-by-ten; DESS-halp var ikh tsoo MUE-deDas verstehe ich. Deswegen hast du auch nichts gegessen, oder?
I understand. That's why you didn't eat anything either, right?das fair-SHTAY-e ikh. DESS-vay-gen hast doo owkh nikhts guh-GES-sen, O-derGenau. Ich hatte keinen Hunger, folglich habe ich nur Tee getrunken.
Exactly. I wasn't hungry; consequently, I only drank tea.guh-NOW. ikh HAT-te KY-nen HOONG-er, FOLG-likh HAH-be ikh noor tay guh-TROON-kenA little context goes a long way
In German, consequence connectors are common in both speech and writing, but register matters. Deshalb and deswegen are safe in everyday conversation. Daher is slightly more formal and appears often in written instructions or explanations. Folglich and infolgedessen sound academic or official; using them in casual chat can seem stiff. In Switzerland and Austria, deshalb and deswegen are also standard, while infolgedessen is rare in speech everywhere.
One thing to watch for
Using normal subject-verb order after a fronted connector: 'Deshalb wir sind drinnen geblieben.'
Try this instead: After a fronted connector, the verb must come second: 'Deshalb sind wir drinnen geblieben.' The connector occupies position 1, the verb position 2, and the subject follows.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Combine: 'Ich habe verschlafen.' + 'Ich kam zu spät.' Use 'deshalb'.
Show a sample answer
Ich habe verschlafen; deshalb kam ich zu spät.
Deshalb introduces the result clause, and the finite verb 'kam' comes directly after it. 'Deswegen' would also be correct here.
2Which connector is most appropriate in a formal report: 'deshalb' or 'infolgedessen'?
Show a sample answer
infolgedessen
Infolgedessen is the most formal option and fits reports. 'Folglich' is also acceptable in formal writing, while 'deshalb' is more neutral.
3Translate: 'She was ill; therefore, she stayed home.' Use 'daher'.
Show a sample answer
Sie war krank; daher blieb sie zu Hause.
Daher is slightly formal and takes verb-second order: 'daher blieb sie'. 'Deshalb' or 'deswegen' would also be correct in a neutral context.
Use deshalb and deswegen for everyday results, daher for slightly formal writing, and folglich or infolgedessen for academic or official texts. Always put the finite verb right after a fronted connector.
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