Breakdown of Der Moderator sagt nichts, außer dass das Preisgeld steigt.
sagen
to say
nichts
nothing
steigen
to rise (go up, increase)
der Moderator
the presenter, the host (of a show)
außer dass
except that
das Preisgeld
the prize money
Questions & Answers about Der Moderator sagt nichts, außer dass das Preisgeld steigt.
How does außer dass affect the word order here?
The phrase außer dass works as a subordinating conjunction. The dass part does its usual job of sending the conjugated verb (steigt) to the very end of the clause.
Could I use außer wenn instead of außer dass in this sentence?
No, because they have very different meanings. außer dass means "except that" and introduces a factual exception (the one thing the host actually says). außer wenn means "unless" and introduces a condition. If you used außer wenn, it would mean the host stays silent unless the prize money goes up.
Is a Moderator the same as a moderator in English?
It can be, but in German, Moderator is the standard word for a TV or radio presenter, or a show host. Because of the word Preisgeld (prize money), we know this is a game show host.
Why does the sentence use steigt instead of steigert for "is increasing"?
You use steigen when something rises or increases on its own (intransitive), like the prize money here. You use steigern when someone actively increases something else (transitive), for example if the host were actively raising the prize money.
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