In German, the grammar of time clauses is an important grammar topic. In today's article we will learn about time clauses with seit/seitdem, bis and während.

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1. „Seit / Seitdem“

- A time clause with seit/seitdem is a subordinate clause that describes a state, event or action that has happened but has not yet ended.

„Ich lerne Deutsch, seitdem ich in Deutschland wohne.“

(I have been learning German since I started living in Germany.)

⇒ Both actions began at the same time and have not yet ended.

„Seitdem ich einen Unfall hatte, sitze ich im Rollstuhl.“

(Since I had an accident, I have been sitting in a wheelchair.)

⇒ When the action in the subordinate clause with seit/seitdem has ended, the verb is conjugated in the past tense. In this case, the main clause stands in the present tense because the present event or action has not yet ended.

2. „bis“

- A time clause with bis is a subordinate clause that expresses the simultaneity of two actions and determines the point in time at which both actions end together.

„Ich bleibe hier, bis ich mit meiner Arbeit fertig bin.“

(I will stay here until I have finished my work.)

⇒ The action of staying and the action of working take place together. The moment both actions end is the moment the work is finished.

„Bis du mit der Arbeit fertig bist, sehe ich ein bisschen fern.“

(Until you have finished your work, I will watch a bit of TV.)

⇒ The actions of working and watching TV take place simultaneously and will both end when the work is finished.)

3. „während“

- A time clause with während is a subordinate clause that expresses two actions taking place at the same time.

„Ich gehe einkaufen, während du die Wohnung aufräumst.“

= „Während du die Wohnung aufräumst, gehe ich einkaufen.“

(I go shopping while you tidy up the apartment.)

⇒ The two actions happen at the same time.