Formal connector adverbs

B2

Connector adverbs like folglich, dennoch, hingegen and somit link ideas at an elevated level – typical of essays, reports and formal language.

  • Formal connective adverbs

Explanation

Connector adverbs link two main clauses. Formal connector adverbs sound more written and elevated than deshalb or trotzdem: folglich, demzufolge, infolgedessen, somit, dennoch, hingegen.

When they stand in position 1, the rule verb in position 2 applies: after the adverb the finite verb comes first, then the subject. This is called inversion: Die Nachfrage stieg. Folglich erhöhte sich der Preis.

Compare the two positions: Der Preis stieg deshalb. → Folglich stieg der Preis. The subject der Preis moves behind the verb stieg.

  1. Consequence — folglich, demzufolge, infolgedessen, somit: Die Kosten stiegen. Folglich wurde das Projekt gestoppt.
  2. Contrast — dennoch, hingegen: Der Plan war teuer. Dennoch wurde er umgesetzt.
More
These adverbs are more formal than deshalb and trotzdem. In reports, essays and factual texts they sound more precise; in everyday conversation deshalb or trotzdem remains more natural.
AdverbMeaningExample (position 1 + verb + subject)
folglichconsequentlyDie Nachfrage stieg. Folglich erhöhte sich der Preis.
demzufolgeaccordinglyDie Studie ist eindeutig. Demzufolge müssen wir handeln.
infolgedessenas a resultDer Zug fiel aus. Infolgedessen kam sie zu spät.
somitthusAlle stimmten zu. Somit war die Frage geklärt.
dennochneverthelessDer Plan war teuer. Dennoch wurde er umgesetzt.
hingegenhoweverDer erste Versuch scheiterte. Hingegen gelang der zweite.

Find words

Which word order fits?

Put sentences in order

Fill in the blanks

Grammar in context

Read these texts to consolidate what you learned. They fit this grammar lesson especially well.

Premium

Unlock all exercises for "Formal connector adverbs"

Practice the grammar point with interactive exercises — find words in sentences, fill-in-the-blanks, and more, with instant feedback.

  • Read all endings
  • 1319 exercises
  • 140 texts as PDF
  • 75 grammar lessons
FREE

Start with a little curiosity.

0
  • 4 complete grammar units for free
  • 4 complete stories or dialogs for free
  • Favorites
EDU

Bring your whole classroom along.

8/mo
  • Everything in SOLO, ready for your classroom
  • 50 student accounts included, expandable in steps of 50
  • Education portal with groups, invite links and results
103 stories · 37 dialogs · one growing library
LernLaterne Premium

Practise every grammar unit without limits.

Do every exercise in every unit, read stories that match and take everything with you as a PDF.

Included in Premium

  • 75 grammar lessons with exercises
  • Full access to all 103 German stories and 37 dialogs
  • Every text as a PDF, with worksheets and answer sheets
  • 1319 interactive exercises with instant feedback
  • Audio and word lookups for every text
  • Plus the illustrated A1 course with 9 bonus stories
FREE

Start with a little curiosity.

0
  • 4 complete grammar units for free
  • 4 complete stories or dialogs for free
  • Favorites
EDU

Bring your whole classroom along.

8/mo
  • Everything in SOLO, ready for your classroom
  • 50 student accounts included, expandable in steps of 50
  • Education portal with groups, invite links and results