Linking clauses with common conjunctions

Kurz erklärt

French conjunctions link words or clauses and show how ideas relate. Et adds information, mais introduces a contrast, and ou presents a choice. Donc gives a result, while car introduces a reason. These conjunctions do not change form.

Bildung

clause + et / mais / ou / donc / car + clause

Verwendung

• Use et for addition and mais for contrast.
• Use ou to offer alternatives or choices.
• Use donc before a result and car before an explanation or reason.
• Place the conjunction between the ideas it connects; the normal word order of each clause remains unchanged.

Beispiele

• Je prépare le dîner et Paul met la table. — I’m making dinner, and Paul is setting the table.
• Elle veut sortir, mais elle est fatiguée. — She wants to go out, but she’s tired.
• Tu prends le bus ou tu viens à pied ? — Are you taking the bus, or are you coming on foot?
• Il pleut, donc nous restons chez nous. — It’s raining, so we’re staying home.

Typischer Fehler

❌ Je reste chez moi parce que je suis malade donc.

✅ Je reste chez moi car je suis malade.

Unlike English ‘so’, French donc introduces a result, not a reason placed at the end. Use car before the clause that explains why.

Merke

Use donc for what happens as a result; use car for the reason.