German - Simple Explanations

Deshalb ___.

That's why ___ .

Meaning: That's why ___.

When to use: Use this short connector to state a direct result or conclusion. If you give a full sentence after it, the conjugated verb typically follows right after "Deshalb."

Tip: Don't put the verb at the end; after ‚Deshalb‘ the conjugated verb usually comes next.

Das Problem ist, dass ___.

The problem is that ___ .

Meaning: The problem is that ___.

When to use: Use this phrase to identify the main issue. After "dass" you typically put the conjugated verb at the end of the clause.

Tip: Beginners sometimes put the verb in the middle; remember the finite verb goes at the end after ‚dass‘.

Das ist so ähnlich wie ___.

It's similar to ___ .

Meaning: It's similar to ___.

When to use: Use this to compare an unfamiliar idea to something the listener likely knows. "So ähnlich wie" is natural in spoken German.

Der Unterschied ist: ___.

The difference is ___ .

Meaning: The difference is ___.

When to use: Use this short frame to point out a contrast between two ideas. You can also say "Der Unterschied ist, dass ..." for a full clause.

Es gibt zwei Gründe: ___ und ___.

There are two reasons: ___ and ___ .

Meaning: There are two reasons: ___ and ___.

When to use: Use this to introduce a short list of reasons. It's a clear and natural way to structure an explanation.

Anders gesagt: ___.

To put it another way, ___.

Meaning: To put it another way, ___.

When to use: Use this short restatement when you want to explain the same idea differently. "Anders gesagt" is concise and common in speech.

Am einfachsten kann man es so erklären: ___.

The easiest way to explain it is ___.

Meaning: The easiest way to explain it is ___.

When to use: Use this when you want to introduce a simple explanation before more detail. It's friendly and clear in spoken registers.

Das bedeutet, dass ___.

This means that ___.

Meaning: This means that ___.

When to use: Use this to explain the consequence or meaning. After "dass" the conjugated verb normally goes at the end.

Tip: Remember: after ‚dass‘ the conjugated verb is usually at the end of the clause.

In diesem Fall ___.

In this case, ___.

Meaning: In this case, ___.

When to use: Use this to limit an explanation to the current situation. If you give a full sentence after it, the conjugated verb often comes right after "In diesem Fall."

Die kurze Antwort ist: ___.

The short answer is ___.

Meaning: The short answer is ___.

When to use: Use this to give a quick, direct answer before adding details. It's a natural way to begin a short summary.

Die Grundregel ist: ___.

The basic rule is ___.

Meaning: The basic rule is ___.

When to use: Use this to introduce a simple general rule or guideline. It's clear and useful when explaining standard practice.

Einfach gesagt: ___.

The simple version is ___ .

Meaning: The simple version is ___.

When to use: Use this to summarize a complex idea in a very short way before going into details. "Einfach gesagt" is natural in conversation.