01
und
and
Connects words, parts of a sentence, or sentences of equal rank; a listing or sequence.
example
Er kaufte Brot, Käse und Wein.
He bought bread, cheese, and wine.
und
and
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word order
The conjunction 'und' (and) connects two main clauses without changing the word order. The verb in the second clause stays in position 2 as usual.
EXAMPLE
Ich koche das Abendessen und mein Partner deckt den Tisch.
I am cooking dinner and my partner is setting the table.
Connecting words
'Und' (and) can connect almost all types of words or word groups of equal rank, not just whole sentences. This applies to nouns, adjectives, adverbs, or verbs.
EXAMPLE
Sie singt laut und falsch.
She sings loudly and off-key.
Flow of conversation
Although you learn in school not to begin sentences with 'und' (and), it is very common in spoken language and storytelling. It is used to keep the narrative flowing smoothly.
EXAMPLE
Wir gingen ins Kino. Und danach haben wir noch ein Eis gegessen.
We went to the movies. And afterward we had some ice cream.
Emphasis through repetition
To express a long duration or high intensity, you can repeat an adjective or verb with 'und' (and). This structure is very vivid and emotional.
EXAMPLE
Wir liefen und liefen, bis wir nicht mehr konnten.
We walked and walked until we couldn't go on anymore.
Compare with
und vs auch
also / even
'auch' and 'und' can both add something. 'und' directly connects two words, parts of a sentence, or sentences: A and B belong together in a list or sequence. 'auch' says that something also applies, often in comparison with another person or thing. They can be confused because both add something in. 'und' is the normal connector, while 'auch' emphasizes: this applies additionally as well.
und
Aylin kocht nach der Arbeit Nudeln und Gemüse.
After work, Aylin cooks pasta and vegetables.
auch
Sie kauft vor dem Termin auch noch Brot.
Before the appointment, she also buys some bread.
In real life
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