Learn Hardcore German: Meine Schwester betreut heute die Kinder, damit ich in Ruhe arbeiten kann. - My sister is taking care of the children today so that I can work in peace.

bold damit bold introduces a purpose clause with its own subject (“so that/in order that”). Use it when the subject of the main clause and the purpose clause are different: main clause subject = bold Meine Schwester bold; purpose clause subject = bold ich bold. bold um ... zu bold is used only when both clauses share the same subject (e.g., bold Ich bleibe zu Hause, um in Ruhe arbeiten zu können. bold).

Why is the verb order bold arbeiten kann bold at the end?

bold damit bold starts a subordinate clause, and in subordinate clauses the finite verb goes to the very end. With a modal, the lexical infinitive comes right before the modal, hence bold … arbeiten kann bold. In a main clause it would be bold Ich kann in Ruhe arbeiten bold (modal in 2nd position).

Do I always need a comma before bold damit bold?

Yes. German requires a comma before any bold damit bold clause. If the purpose clause comes first, you also put a comma after it: bold Damit ich in Ruhe arbeiten kann, betreut meine Schwester heute die Kinder. bold

What does bold in Ruhe bold mean exactly? Is it the same as bold ruhig bold?

bold in Ruhe bold is an idiom meaning “undisturbed/without being bothered.” Literally “in calm,” using bold in bold + dative of the noun bold die Ruhe bold (article omitted).
bold ruhig bold means “calm(ly)” and doesn’t necessarily imply “undisturbed.” For “quietly” (not making noise), use bold leise bold. Alternatives: bold ungestört bold, bold in aller Ruhe bold.

What case is bold die Kinder bold and why?

Accusative plural. bold betreuen bold is a transitive verb and takes a direct object, so bold die Kinder bold is in the accusative (compare singular: bold das Kind bold).

Could I leave out the article and just say bold Kinder bold?

You can, but it changes the nuance. bold die Kinder bold = specific children known from context (“the kids”). Bare bold Kinder bold feels more generic/indefinite (“kids” in general). Context determines whether the article is natural.

How flexible is the position of bold heute bold?

Quite flexible. Common options:

bold Heute betreut meine Schwester die Kinder, … bold (time element first; very natural)
bold Meine Schwester betreut heute die Kinder, … bold (as given)
bold Meine Schwester betreut die Kinder heute, … bold (also fine; slightly different emphasis) German tends to order adverbials time–manner–place, but information structure and emphasis often guide word order.

Does German have a progressive like “is taking care of”? Is bold betreut bold present or future?

German uses the simple present (Präsens) for ongoing actions and near-future plans. bold Meine Schwester betreut heute … bold can mean “is taking care (today)” or “will take care (today).” A future with bold wird betreuen bold is possible but unnecessary here.

Can I put the purpose clause first?

Yes: bold Damit ich in Ruhe arbeiten kann, betreut meine Schwester heute die Kinder. bold The subordinate clause comes first; the main clause still keeps verb-second word order (bold betreut bold).

How is bold damit bold different from bold dass bold and bold sodass bold?

bold damit bold = purpose (“so that/in order that”).
bold sodass bold = result (“so that/as a result”). Example: bold Es regnete stark, sodass wir zu Hause blieben. bold
bold dass bold = introduces a content clause (“that”) and is not used to express purpose in standard German. Using bold …, dass ich in Ruhe arbeiten kann bold for purpose would be wrong/odd here.

What about bold betreuen bold versus other options like bold aufpassen (auf) bold, bold sich kümmern (um) bold, or bold babysitten bold?

bold betreuen bold: “to look after/care for/supervise,” often more formal or professional. Transitive: bold jemanden betreuen bold.
bold aufpassen auf (+ Akk.) bold: more colloquial “to watch/keep an eye on.” Separable: bold Sie passt auf die Kinder auf. bold
bold sich um … kümmern (+ Akk. with um) bold: “to take care of, attend to needs,” focus on responsibility rather than supervision.
bold babysitten bold: informal, borrowed from English.
Note: bold betreuen bold is inseparable (prefix bold be- bold); Perfekt: bold hat … betreut bold (no bold ge- bold).