dann
then
Indicates a chronological sequence; after that, afterwards.
EXAMPLE
Zuerst putze ich die Zähne, dann gehe ich ins Bett.
First I brush my teeth, then I go to bed.
dann
then
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Meanings
dann
then
Introduces the result of a condition; in that case.
EXAMPLE
Wenn du nicht mitkommst, dann bleibe ich auch zu Hause.
If you're not coming along, then I'll stay at home too.
dann
then
Used to express a conclusion or consequence.
EXAMPLE
Der Wecker hat nicht geklingelt, dann habe ich natürlich verschlafen.
The alarm didn't go off, so then of course I overslept.
Usage tips
Word order
'Dann' is an adverb, not a conjunction. When it stands at the beginning of a sentence (position 1), the conjugated verb must follow directly after it in position 2 (inversion).
EXAMPLE
Wir essen jetzt zu Abend. Dann sehen wir einen Film.
We're having dinner now. Then we'll watch a film.
In conditional sentences
In 'Wenn-dann-Sätzen' (if-then sentences), 'dann' introduces the result in the main clause. It can be used for emphasis, but it is often optional and can be left out.
EXAMPLE
Wenn du Zeit hast, dann können wir uns treffen.
If you have time, then we can meet up.
Chronological sequence
'Dann' is used very frequently to order steps in an action or events in a story. It often appears in a chain with adverbs like 'zuerst' (first) and 'danach' (after that).
EXAMPLE
Zuerst die Zwiebeln schneiden, dann in der Pfanne anbraten.
First cut the onions, then fry them in the pan.
Colloquial expression
The combination 'na dann' is a very common reaction in spoken language. It expresses agreement, a conclusion, or the beginning of an action.
EXAMPLE
Die Arbeit ist fertig. Na dann, schönen Feierabend!
The work is done. Well then, enjoy your evening!
Compare with
dann vs und
and
Und connects successive actions without explicitly marking their chronological order; the order often becomes clear from the context. Dann explicitly means “after that” and stands as a sentence adverb before the verb when it introduces the second sentence.
dann
Ich räume die Küche auf, dann gehe ich einkaufen.
I tidy up the kitchen, then I go grocery shopping.
und
Ich räume die Küche auf und gehe einkaufen.
I tidy up the kitchen and go grocery shopping.
In real life
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