German word

dass

Pronunciation

IPA/das/

Meaning

  • conjunctionthat

Example

Ich glaube, dass er heute kommt.

I believe that he is coming today.

Illustration for dass (that)

More examples

Es ist wichtig, dass du pünktlich bist.

It is important that you are punctual.

Core concept

A bridge from a main statement to the proposition that completes its meaning.

Common phrases

  • Ich glaube, dass

    I believe that

  • Es ist wichtig, dass

    It is important that

  • Die Tatsache, dass

    The fact that

Similar words

weil: A conjunction introducing a subordinate clause explaining why something happens.
ob: A conjunction introducing a subordinate clause about whether something happens.
als: A conjunction introducing a subordinate clause about one past occasion.
obwohl: A conjunction introducing a subordinate clause with an opposing or unexpected point.

Definition in German

eine Konjunktion, die eine Aussage, Meinung oder Tatsache als Nebensatz einführt

Word origin

The conjunction dass arose when the older German demonstrative daz was grammaticalized as a clause-linking word, paralleling English that.

Usage tips

  • Within a sentence, dass is distinct from the homophonous das, which functions as an article or pronoun and can often be replaced by dieses or welches.

Word lists with this word