Missing actions with "ohne dass"
When an event happens but an expected action is missing, use the subordinating conjunction ohne dass (without).
Like all subordinating conjunctions, it sends the conjugated verb to the end of its clause, and a comma separates the clauses.
| The man ran out of the restaurant without the waiter bringing the bill. | Der Mann rannte aus dem Restaurant, ohne dass der Kellner die Rechnung brachte. |
| You are taking the car without me giving you permission. | Du nimmst das Auto, ohne dass ich dir die Erlaubnis gebe. |
Substituted actions with "anstatt dass"
When one action happens in place of an expected one, use anstatt dass (instead of).
It also sends the conjugated verb to the end of the clause. When the subordinate clause comes first to emphasize what didn't happen, the main clause must immediately follow the comma with its conjugated verb.
| Instead of the teacher paying attention, the students cheat. | Anstatt dass der Lehrer aufpasst, schummeln die Schüler. |
| Instead of the guests enjoying the dinner, someone complains about it. | Anstatt dass die Gäste das Abendessen genießen, meckert jemand darüber. |
Repeated subjects
In English, when the same person or thing is the subject of both clauses, we often drop the subject and use an -ing verb (for example, instead of waiting or without taking). In German, you can simply use ohne dass or anstatt dass and repeat the subject pronoun in the subordinate clause.
| The boy sneezes without taking the handkerchief. | Der Junge niest, ohne dass er das Taschentuch nimmt. |
| The people push instead of waiting. | Die Leute drängeln, anstatt dass sie warten. |