Learn Hardcore German: Der Kollege übernimmt heute meine Aufgaben, damit ich zum Arzt gehen kann. - The colleague male is taking over my tasks today so that I can go to the doctor.

German main clauses follow the verb-second (V2) rule. The first slot is filled by one element (here the subject Der Kollege), and the conjugated verb (übernimmt) must be in second position. Everything else follows after.

Why is there a comma before damit, and why does the verb go to the end in that clause?

Damit introduces a subordinate clause of purpose. Subordinate clauses are set off by a comma, and their conjugated verb goes to the end: ..., damit ich ... gehen kann.

Why is it gehen kann and not kann gehen?

In a subordinate clause with a modal, the non-finite verb(s) come before the finite verb. So you get gehen kann at the end of the clause. In a main clause, you’d say Ich kann zum Arzt gehen.

When should I use damit versus um ... zu for “in order to/so that”?

Use damit when the subject of the purpose clause is different: Der Kollege übernimmt ..., damit ich ... kann.
Use um ... zu when the subject stays the same: Ich übernehme heute die Aufgaben, um früher zu gehen. Using um ... zu with different subjects is ungrammatical.

Could I use dass or sodass instead of damit?

No. dass introduces a content clause (not purpose). sodass/so dass expresses a result/consequence, not an intended purpose. damit signals intention.

Why is it Der Kollege and not Mein Kollege or Ein Kollege?

German uses the definite article to refer to contextually known people in a group (like “the colleague” everyone knows about). Ein Kollege would mean “a (random/some) colleague,” and Mein Kollege explicitly marks possession (“my colleague”).

What gender and declension does Kollege have?

Kollege is masculine and a weak (n-) noun. Singular:

Nominative: der Kollege
Accusative: den Kollegen
Dative: dem Kollegen
Genitive: des Kollegen Plural: die Kollegen (all oblique forms: den/der Kollegen). Here it’s nominative singular: Der Kollege.

What’s the difference between Kollege and Kollegin?

Kollege is male; Kollegin is female. Plurals: Kollegen (mixed or all-male), Kolleginnen (all female). Example: Die Kollegin übernimmt heute meine Aufgaben.

Why is it meine Aufgaben and not meiner Aufgaben?

The direct object of übernehmen is in the accusative. Aufgaben is plural accusative, and the possessive takes the form meine in nominative/accusative plural: meine Aufgaben.

Can I move heute to the front?

Yes, for emphasis on time: Heute übernimmt der Kollege meine Aufgaben, ... The verb still stays in second position (V2).

What does übernehmen mean exactly, and is it separable?

übernehmen means “to take over/assume” (tasks, responsibilities). It is inseparable, so you never say nimmt … über. Perfect: hat übernommen; simple past: übernahm.

How is übernehmen conjugated here?

It follows the pattern of nehmen: ich übernehme, du übernimmst, er/sie/es übernimmt. In the sentence you see the 3rd person singular: übernimmt.

Why is it zum Arzt and not zu dem Arzt, in den Arzt, or something else?

zu takes the dative; zu dem contracts to zum. So zum Arzt = “to the doctor.” in den Arzt is wrong (that would literally be “into the doctor”). You could say in die Praxis (“to the practice/office”) depending on nuance.

Does gehen mean I’m walking there? What if I drive?

In many set phrases, gehen just means “to go (for an appointment/activity)” without specifying transport. zum Arzt gehen is the standard way to say “go to the doctor,” even if you drive.

Could I say damit ich zum Arzt darf gehen?

No. With dürfen, you’d still place the non-finite before the finite verb: ..., damit ich zum Arzt gehen darf. Note the nuance: kann = “am able/able to make it,” darf = “am permitted.” Here kann fits the idea of being enabled.

Is the comma before damit optional?

No. Commas before subordinate clauses are mandatory in standard German: ..., damit ... Always include it.

Where exactly should zum Arzt go in the subordinate clause?

Natural placement is before the verb cluster: ..., damit ich zum Arzt gehen kann. Placing it after (gehen kann zum Arzt) is not standard.

What’s the plural and meaning of Aufgabe?

Singular: die Aufgabe (“task, assignment, duty”). Plural: die Aufgaben. In the sentence: meine Aufgaben = “my tasks/duties.”

Could I rephrase with abnehmen?

Yes, slightly different wording: Der Kollege nimmt mir heute die Aufgaben ab, damit ich zum Arzt gehen kann. Here jemandem etwas abnehmen = “take something off someone’s hands,” and you add a dative person (mir).