dass

Dass is a German subordinating conjunction meaning "that." It introduces a content clause (Nebensatz) that functions as the object, complement, or sometimes the subject of the main clause, expressing that a proposition is asserted, believed, known, or feared.

Orthography and distinction: Dass is spelled with double s, not das, the definite article or relative pronoun. The two words are not interchangeable in meaning, and their similarity often leads to writing mistakes. In writing, das can be an article or a relative pronoun, while dass always serves as a conjunction.

Syntax and mood: In a sentence with dass, the subordinate clause follows the main clause, and the finite verb in the subordinate clause goes to the end. Example: Ich glaube, dass er heute kommt. For the perfect tense: Ich glaube, dass er heute gekommen ist. In indirect speech or reported statements, the verb may appear in the Konjunktiv I: dass er krank sei.

Usage: Dass introduces content clauses after verbs of thinking, saying, knowing, hoping, and many other cognition or communication verbs (denken, glauben, wissen, behaupten, sagen, hoffen). It also follows expressions like Es ist wichtig, dass du pünktlich bist or Es freut mich, dass du kommst. The dass-clause can serve as the object of the main verb or follow a noun or adjective that governs a content clause.

Examples: Ich glaube, dass er kommt. Es ist klar, dass er krank ist. Ich hoffe, dass sie bald zurückkehrt. Er behauptet, dass er es nicht getan habe.