Modalsätze mit dadurch, dass und indem
Expressing means, method and how an outcome is achieved. This detailed lesson includes explanations, model sentences, common error guidance, written practice and a self-checking quiz. Work through the sections in order, then practise producing your own examples.
Estimated study time: 25–40 minutes · Level: B2 · German examples with English support
Learning objectives
Understand the rule
Identify the structure, meaning and typical word order for this B2 grammar topic.
Use it accurately
Notice verb position, case, endings, punctuation and the relationship between clauses.
Produce original examples
Adapt the model sentences to your own study, work and everyday situations.
Check your learning
Complete the practice tasks and quiz. Review the explanations for any answer you miss.
1. Indem: the method
Indem introduces a subordinate clause that explains how an action is carried out: “Sie verbessert ihr Deutsch, indem sie täglich liest.” The conjugated verb goes to the end.
It is often translated as “by doing something”. The subordinate clause gives the method or means, not merely a purpose.
2. Dadurch, dass: cause or means
Dadurch, dass can emphasise the means or circumstance through which a result occurs: “Dadurch, dass wir digital arbeiten, sparen wir Zeit.”
The dadurch element can appear in the main clause and dass introduces the subordinate clause. Use commas to mark the clause boundaries.
3. Choosing the structure
Indem is concise when the method is clear. Dadurch, dass can foreground the resulting effect or the mechanism. Compare “Er spart Geld, indem er selbst kocht” and “Dadurch, dass er selbst kocht, spart er Geld.”
Do not confuse these with um … zu, which normally expresses a purpose. Means: how something happens; purpose: what someone wants to achieve.
Model examples and close reading
Read the German sentence first, identify the target structure, then compare the English meaning and note the reason for the form.
Indem introduces the method; verb goes to the end.
Dadurch, dass foregrounds the means/circumstance.
The method is loud practice.
The conjugated verb goes to the end of the indem-clause.
Practice exercises
Write a complete German answer in each field. The checker compares your answer with a model solution and ignores differences in capitalisation and extra spaces. Alternative wording may be correct even if it is not recognised automatically; compare it with the model and explanation.
Study tip: after checking, cover the model and write the sentence again from memory. Then create one new example of your own.
Knowledge check: interactive quiz
Choose one answer for each question, then select “Check quiz” to see your score and explanations.
1. Which connector introduces a method?
2. Where is the conjugated verb in an indem-clause?
3. Which structure can foreground the result enabled by a circumstance?
4. What is the key difference between means and purpose?
5. Choose the correct sentence.
Independent production task
Writing challenge: Write a short paragraph of 80–120 words about learning, work, travel or a social issue. Use this lesson’s grammar structure at least three times. Underline the target forms and check the sentence structure, punctuation and meaning.
Speaking challenge: Explain the same topic aloud for one minute. Record yourself if possible, then note one accurate sentence and one sentence you want to improve.
Self-assessment checklist
- I can explain the purpose of this structure in my own words.
- I can recognise it in a written German text.
- I can form at least three original examples.
- I checked word order, case, endings and punctuation.
- I can correct at least one common error.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this lesson suitable for B2 learners?
It is designed as B2-level grammar practice. Learners may benefit from revising relevant A2/B1 structures before moving to more complex examples.
Are the exercises an official Goethe-Zertifikat test?
No. These are original practice materials for learning and revision, not official Goethe-Institut exam questions. Use them alongside the current official exam format and course materials.
Why does the quiz checker sometimes not accept my answer?
The automated checker uses model answers and a small set of accepted alternatives. German may allow other correct phrasings; compare your sentence with the rule and explanation rather than assuming every unrecognised answer is grammatically wrong.