Ich schwitze und der Schmerz ist schlimm. Deshalb gebe ich auf.

Questions & Answers about Ich schwitze und der Schmerz ist schlimm. Deshalb gebe ich auf.

Why is it Deshalb gebe ich auf instead of Deshalb ich gebe auf?
Deshalb (therefore) is an adverb. When you start a sentence with an adverb, it takes Position 1, and the verb must stay in Position 2. That pushes the subject (ich) into Position 3, right after the verb. This is exactly the same word order rule you use for trotzdem (nevertheless).
Why does the word und not change the word order like deshalb does?
Words like und (and), aber (but), and oder (or) are coordinating conjunctions. They sit in "Position 0" and do not count toward the verb's position. That is why the subject der Schmerz comes right after it, followed normally by the verb ist. Adverbs like deshalb or trotzdem are different because they actually take up Position 1.
Why is the word auf at the very end of the sentence?
This is because of the separable verb aufgeben (to give up). When you use a separable verb in a present tense main clause, the prefix (here, auf) breaks off from the main verb and moves to the very end of the sentence.
Could I use schlecht instead of schlimm to say the pain is bad?
It is much more natural to use schlimm. While both can translate to "bad," schlecht usually refers to poor quality (like a bad movie) or feeling sick. schlimm is used for situations that are severe, serious, or hurtful, making it the perfect word to describe pain (der Schmerz).

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