sodass

Sodass is a German subordinating conjunction used to introduce a clause that states a consequence or result of the preceding statement. It expresses a cause-and-effect relationship, equivalently to the English "so that." The construction highlights the outcome produced by the described condition or action, rather than its purpose. It can link a variety of predications, including events, states, and degrees of intensity.

Orthography and variants: In German, "so dass" (two words) and "sodass" (one word) are both correct. The choice is largely stylistic; many writers prefer "sodass" for its compact look, while "so dass" can emphasize the separation between clauses. Both forms introduce a result clause with a finite verb at the end of the subordinate clause.

Grammar and usage: The clause introduced by "sodass" behaves like other subordinate clauses and places its finite verb at the end. The mood of the subordinate verb is typically indicative when the result is factual, but Konjunktiv I or II may occur if the speaker wishes to express hypothetical or counterfactual outcomes. "Sodass" can express strong degree, extent, or a realized consequence.

Examples: Es regnete stark, sodass das Spiel ausfiel. Er war sehr müde, sodass er früh ins Bett ging. Sie sprach leise, sodass niemand sie hören konnte. Translation: It rained heavily, so that the game was canceled; He was very tired, so that he went to bed early; She spoke softly, so that no one could hear her.