Expressing "while" with "während"
When two things are happening at the same time, you can connect them using the conjunction während (while).
Just like dass or weil, während is a subordinating conjunction. It pushes the conjugated verb to the very end of its clause.
| I peel the garlic while you cut the onion. | Ich schäle den Knoblauch, während du die Zwiebel schneidest. |
| The cook wears an apron while he prepares the meat. | Der Koch trägt eine Schürze, während er das Fleisch zubereitet. |
Starting a sentence with "während"
You can also start the sentence with the während clause.
When the dependent clause comes first, it takes up the first position in the sentence. The main clause must start immediately with its verb to keep it in the mandatory second position. This creates a "verb, comma, verb" pattern.
| While the cook prepares the sauce, he tastes it. | Während der Koch die Soße zubereitet, probiert er sie. |
| While the waiter serves the soup, we wash the plates. | Während der Kellner die Suppe serviert, spülen wir die Teller. |
Questions, commands, and contrasts
Während works seamlessly with questions and commands, and can also highlight a contrast between what two different people are doing.
| Are you reading the recipe while you season the fish? | Liest du das Rezept, während du den Fisch würzt? |
| Put on your apron while you make the breakfast! | Ziehen Sie Ihre Schürze an, während Sie das Frühstück machen! |
| My colleague sleeps while I work in the kitchen. | Mein Kollege schläft, während ich in der Küche arbeite. |
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