and, but and or
und, aber, oder
Connect simple A1 ideas with und, aber and oder while keeping normal word order in each clause.
und adds information, aber introduces a contrast, and oder presents an alternative. These coordinating conjunctions do not push the conjugated verb to the end. If a full clause follows, it keeps normal order: Ich bin müde, aber ich arbeite. A repeated subject or verb can be omitted in a simple shared structure: Ich arbeite und lerne Deutsch.
Ich arbeite und lerne Deutsch.
I work and study German.
Ich bin müde, aber ich arbeite.
I am tired, but I am working.
Kaffee oder Tee?
Coffee or tea?
Der Bus ist langsam, aber billig.
The bus is slow but cheap.
Wir kaufen Brot und Milch.
We are buying bread and milk.
Heute oder morgen?
Today or tomorrow?
Decide whether you are adding, contrasting or choosing. Join matching words or complete clauses, then check that every full clause still has its normal conjugated verb position.
Use these connectors for food choices, schedules, transport comparisons and short explanations about work or study.
Do not treat aber like weil. Say “aber ich arbeite,” not “aber ich arbeiten” or “aber ich arbeite” with the verb pushed to the end of a longer clause.
und = plus, aber = contrast, oder = choice. All three keep ordinary main-clause order.
Make two additions, two contrasts and two choices about your real day. Use complete clauses in at least three examples.