Breakdown of Der Vorrat ist fast leer, also kaufe ich heute Mehl und Gemüse.
sein
to be
und
and
ich
I
heute
today
Questions & Answers about Der Vorrat ist fast leer, also kaufe ich heute Mehl und Gemüse.
Does the German word also mean the same as the English word also?
No. This is a classic false friend. German also here means therefore or so, introducing a consequence. For the additive meaning of English also, German uses auch.
Why is it also kaufe ich and not also ich kaufe?
German main clauses are verb-second. When also stands at the start of the clause, it occupies the first position, so the finite verb (kaufe) must come second and the subject (ich) follows: also kaufe ich .... If you omit also, you would say Ich kaufe heute ... with the subject in first position.
Do I need the comma before also?
Yes. You are linking two independent main clauses. With also as a linking adverb, German requires a comma (a semicolon is also possible in more formal writing).
Can I make it two sentences, starting the second with Also?
Yes: Der Vorrat ist fast leer. Also kaufe ich heute Mehl und Gemüse. That is stylistically fine and very common.
What is the difference between kaufen and einkaufen?