DannKlausel

DannKlausel is a term used in German linguistics to denote the “then” clause in a conditional sentence. The label is not a formal, universally standardized category in core grammar, but it is encountered in some pedagogical and descriptive discussions as a convenient way to refer to the consequence part that follows the conditional clause.

Function and placement: In a typical if-then construction, the DannKlausel expresses the result or outcome of the condition. It normally follows a conjunction such as wenn or falls. For example: Wenn ich Zeit habe, dann gehe ich ins Kino. The DannKlausel can appear without dann as well, with the meaning preserved: Wenn ich Zeit habe, gehe ich ins Kino. The presence or absence of dann can affect emphasis, but both forms are common in everyday German.

Variations and grammar: The tense and mood of the DannKlausel align with the intended meaning. In real conditions, the DannKlausel often uses present or future tenses; in unreal or hypothetical conditions, subjunctive forms may occur. The concept helps describe how the consequence part functions within a conditional sentence, rather than prescribing a distinct, independent syntactic category.

Terminology and relation to other concepts: In standard grammar, the sentence parts are typically analyzed as the conditional clause (Nebensatz) and the main clause, with the “then” element marking the consequence. Some sources refer to related notions as the consequence, result, or Folgeklausel (consequent clause). The DannKlausel itself is mainly a descriptive label used for instructional clarity.

See also: Konditionalsatz, Wenn-Satz, Konsekutivsatz, Konsequent.