German Grammar A–Z
Look up German grammar topics A–Z, organized by category and level — with clear explanations and examples.
Distinguishing nachdem and bevor
When learning German, we are sure to come across the pair of temporal conjunctions nachdem and bevor. It is quite possible to confuse these two conjunctions while practicing German. So this article will give you the most complete overview and help you distinguish how to use these two conjunctions.
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1. Similarities:
-
Nachdem and Bevor are both temporal conjunctions and are both used with a subordinate clause (Nebensatz).
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Both describe two actions that do NOT happen at the same time.
2. Differences:
|
Nachdem |
Bevor |
|---|---|
|
- The main clause (Hauptsatz) is the clause that happens later. |
- The main clause (Hauptsatz) is the clause that happens first. |
|
- The subordinate clause (Nebensatz) must be one tense earlier than the main clause. |
- Both clauses are in the same tense. |
|
Nachdem ich zu Abend gegessen hatte, habe ich die Hausaufgaben gemacht. (After I had dinner, I did my homework.) → The action of doing homework happens later → The Hauptsatz is in the past tense (Präteritum), the Nebensatz with Nachdem is in the past perfect (Plusquamperfekt). |
Sie trinkt Kaffee, bevor Julia telefoniert. (She drinks coffee before Julia calls.) → The action of drinking coffee happens first. → The Hauptsatz and the Nebensatz with Bevor both take place in the present (Präsens). |
!!!Rule for the tense shift in the subordinate clause:
- If the main clause is in Präsens then the subordinate clause is in Perfekt
|
"Nachdem sie nette Leute getroffen hat, |
fühlt sie sich in Freiburg sehr wohl." |
|
Perfekt |
Präsens |
|
Nebensatz |
Hauptsatz |
- If the main clause is in Präteritum then the subordinate clause is in Plusquamperfekt
|
"Nachdem sie in Freiburg angekommen war, |
fand sie schnell eine Wohnung." |
|
Plusquamperfekt |
Präteritum |
|
Nebensatz |
Hauptsatz |
After reading the article above, we hope you have grasped how to use nachdem and bevor. Thank you for following along. Wishing you success on your journey to conquer German!!!
