sodann
then
A formal adverb that expresses a sequence in time and means 'after that' or 'subsequently'.
EXAMPLE
Zuerst wurde der Bericht verlesen, sodann begann die Diskussion.
First the report was read aloud; then the discussion began.
sodann
then / in that case
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Meanings
sodann
in that case
A very formal or legal adverb that introduces a condition or consequence and means 'in this case' or 'if that is so'.
EXAMPLE
Sollte der Zeuge nicht erscheinen, sodann muss das Gericht die Verhandlung vertagen.
Should the witness fail to appear, in that case the court must postpone the hearing.
Usage tips
Register and style
'Sodann' (then / in that case) is a very formal word. It is used almost exclusively in written language, official speeches, or legal texts.
EXAMPLE
Der Angeklagte bekannte sich schuldig, sodann verkündete der Richter das Urteil.
The defendant pleaded guilty; then the judge announced the verdict.
Sentence position
When 'sodann' (then / in that case) stands at the beginning of a main clause (position 1), the conjugated verb follows directly after it in position 2. This word order is called inversion.
EXAMPLE
Der Redner beendete seine Rede. Sodann klatschten die Zuhörer.
The speaker finished his speech. Then the listeners applauded.
Context clue
You can often recognize the conditional meaning ('in this case') from the fact that the preceding sentence formulates a condition. Sometimes it is preceded by a conditional clause beginning with 'wenn' (if) or 'sollte' (should).
EXAMPLE
Wenn die Zahlung nicht bis morgen eingeht, sodann werden wir rechtliche Schritte einleiten.
If the payment is not received by tomorrow, in that case we will take legal action.
Compare with
sodann vs dann
then
„Dann“ and „sodann“ can express the next step in a sequence of events. „Sodann“ sounds considerably more formal or elevated, while „dann“ is usual in everyday speech and storytelling. Use „dann“ in everyday situations and „sodann“ mainly in formal texts.
sodann
Wir unterschreiben den Vertrag und gehen sodann nach Hause.
We'll sign the contract and subsequently go home.
dann
Wir unterschreiben den Vertrag und gehen dann nach Hause.
We'll sign the contract and then go home.
In real life
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