Learn Hardcore German: Ich kaufe Brot, weil das Angebot gut ist.

In German subordinate clauses, the finite verb always comes at the end. The conjunction weil introduces a subordinate clause, which triggers this word order rule so that ist appears at the clause’s conclusion.

Why is there a comma before weil?

German punctuation rules require that subordinate clauses be set off from the main clause by a comma. Here, the comma separates Ich kaufe Brot (the main clause) from weil das Angebot gut ist (the subordinate clause).

What role does the word weil play in this sentence?

Weil is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a causal clause. It connects the reason for the action in the main clause (buying bread) with the explanation provided in the subordinate clause.

Why is the adjective gut used without any ending in the subordinate clause?

When an adjective follows a linking verb like ist, it functions as a predicate adjective. Predicate adjectives do not take endings because they simply describe the subject of the clause (das Angebot) rather than directly modifying a noun.

What is the difference in word order between the main clause and the subordinate clause in this sentence?

In the main clause Ich kaufe Brot, the verb kaufe occupies the second position, which is standard for main clauses. In the subordinate clause weil das Angebot gut ist, the rule for subordinate clauses moves the conjugated verb (ist) to the end.

How does weil differ from another causal conjunction such as denn?

Weil introduces a subordinate clause and therefore changes the word order by sending the verb to the end. In contrast, denn is a coordinating conjunction that does not affect the normal main clause order. Additionally, weil often provides a stronger sense of causality in the explanation.

Why is there no definite article before Brot in the main clause?

In German, as in English, some nouns are used in a general or mass sense and do not require an article. In this case, Brot refers to bread in general, so the article is omitted much like saying "I buy bread" rather than "I buy the bread."

What grammatical case is das Angebot in, and why is it that case?

Das Angebot is in the nominative case because it is the subject of the subordinate clause. In German, the subject of any clause—main or subordinate—is always in the nominative case.