Four connectors, four relationships
Use und to add information, oder to offer alternatives, aber for a contrast and denn to give a reason. Choose the relationship first: several connectors may make a grammatical sentence while changing its meaning.
Nora singt und Ben spielt Klavier.
Nora sings and Ben plays the piano.
Does the subject always come before the verb?
No. These connectors stand outside the next clause’s word order. A time phrase can occupy the first position. The conjugated verb then comes before the subject.
Nora singt, und am Abend spielt Ben Klavier.
Nora sings, and in the evening Ben plays the piano.
Why does denn keep the verb second?
The reason after denn has main-clause order. Count the parts inside that clause: the subject can come first, or a time phrase can. Do not move the verb to the end.
Nora bleibt zu Hause, denn heute kommt Ben.
Nora stays at home because Ben is coming today.
Is a comma needed before und?
Between two complete main clauses, a comma before und or oder is optional. Before aber or denn, use a comma. The optional rule does not apply to a simple word list such as Kaffee und Tee.
Nora singt und Ben tanzt. Nora singt, und Ben tanzt.
Both versions mean: Nora sings and Ben dances.
Practise connecting statements
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Explore this grammar blockBuild on familiar sentence patterns
Review verb-second word order or practise references with object pronouns.
Sources and scope
Original examples informed by IDS grammis on coordination and the official rules for commas in coordinated structures. This guide covers four connectors between complete statements; other connectors, shortened clauses and complex punctuation need further patterns.