Explain likes and dislikes: 'weil' vs 'denn', word order after 'weil'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what I like and don't like, giving reasons using the correct word order with 'denn' and 'weil'.
Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons
Key learning points
- 'Weil' and 'denn' both mean 'because'. Both are conjunctions and connect clauses or sentences.
- In German there is always a comma before 'weil' or 'denn'.
- 'Denn' is followed by word order 1 (WO1), subject-verb word order.
- 'Weil' is followed by word order 3 (WO3), where the verb goes to the end of the sentence.
- Use 'weil' and 'denn' to give reasons for likes and dislikes.
Keywords
Conjunction - word that connects ideas between clauses in a sentence
Denn - conjunction meaning 'because', after which word order 1 (WO1) follows
Weil - conjunction meaning 'because', after which word order 3 (WO3) follows
Word order 3 (WO3) - after certain conjunctions, the verb is sent to the end of the sentence or clause
Common misconception
To give a reason in German, we use 'denn' or 'weil' and subject-verb word order, as in English.
'Denn' and 'weil' both mean 'because'. After 'denn' we use subject-verb word order (word order 1) but after 'weil' the verb goes to the end of the clause (word order 3).
Teacher tip
Teachers may find it helpful to include short starter activities, e.g., using mini whiteboards, to practise giving reasons with 'denn' and 'weil', as part of vocabulary revisiting activities. Using 'weil' and 'denn' as a contrasting pair helps pupils gain fluency and confidence with word order 3.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the German and English.
hunger
country, countryside
March
pain
Switzerland
hour, lesson
Q2.Match the German and English.
to last, lasting
to reach, reaching
to drive, ride, go (transport)
to like, liking
to manage, managing
to look for, looking for
Q3.Order the words to say: 'Did you find a lot of letters?'
Q4.Order the words to say: 'I feel like visiting Vienna.'
Q5.Write in English: 'Es gibt oben ein Bad.'
Q6.Write in German: 'The kitchen is downstairs.'
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.''Weil' and 'denn' both mean '__________'. Write the missing word.
Q2.'Ich liebe Schottland, __________'. Which sentence endings are correct?
Q3.Order the words to form a correct sentence.
Q4.Order the words to form a correct sentence.
Q5.Write in German: 'because it is wonderful'. Use 'denn'
Q6.Write in German: 'because it is funny'. Use 'weil'.
To help you plan your 8 German lesson on: Explain likes and dislikes: 'weil' vs 'denn', word order after 'weil', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 German lesson on: Explain likes and dislikes: 'weil' vs 'denn', word order after 'weil', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 German lessons from the Who am I? Adjective agreement, 'weil' and 'denn' unit, dive into the full secondary German curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.