German Grammar A–Z
Look up German grammar topics A–Z, organized by category and level — with clear explanations and examples.
Modal Clauses with indem and dadurch, dass
When we want to express in German that you do something by means of a certain action, we can use structures with indem and dadurch dass. However, we need to distinguish indem and dadurch dass because each structure is used differently. In today's article we will learn about this topic.
Let's get started!!
- INDEM
- Used to express a goal and the way to achieve it. Indem goes with a subordinate clause (Nebensatz). The subordinate clause with indem can come before or after the main clause:
Maria spart Geld, indem sie Angebote nutzt.
(Maria saves money by using discount coupons.)
Indem ich den Knopf drücke, schalte ich den Computer ein.
(By pressing the button, I turn on the computer.)
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DADURCH DASS
- Dadurch dass is used to connect the main clause with the subordinate clause. Dadurch can stand in the main clause to emphasize the topic, or stand in the subordinate clause together with dass. Example:
Man kann Benzin sparen, dadurch dass man langsam fährt.
= Dadurch dass man langsam fährt, kann man Benzin sparen.
Man kann dadurch Benzin sparen, dass man langsam fährt.
= Dadurch, dass man langsam fährt, kann man Benzin sparen.
(You can save gas by driving slowly.
= By driving slowly, you can save gas.)
!!! Note: The preposition durch with a noun phrase can be used to replace indem and dadurch dass. In addition, prepositions such as mittels, mithilfe, mit can be used. Example:
Indem ich den Knopf drücke, schalte ich den Computer ein. = Durch Drücken des Knopfs schalte ich den Computer ein.
