Dass or Das
'Dass' and 'das' are often confused because they sound the same, but they have completely different functions.
'Dass' is a conjunction (subordinating conjunction) that introduces a subordinate clause.
'Das' is an article (neuter definite article) or a demonstrative/relative pronoun.
This lesson explains the differences and when to use each one.
Explanation
'Dass' (with double 's') is a conjunction meaning 'that'. It introduces a subordinate clause: 'Ich weiß, dass er kommt' (I know that he comes).
'Das' (with single 's') is the neuter definite article: 'das Buch' (the book), or a demonstrative pronoun: 'das ist schön' (that is beautiful), or a relative pronoun: 'das Buch, das ich lese' (the book that I read).
Rule: If you can replace it with 'dieses' or 'jenes' (this/that), use 'das'. If it introduces a clause explaining what/when/why, use 'dass'.
'Dass' always starts a subordinate clause and sends the verb to the end: 'Ich glaube, dass er kommt' (I believe that he comes).
Dass vs Das - Usage Guide
| Word | Function | Example | Translation | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dass | Conjunction | Ich weiß, dass er kommt | I know that he comes | Introduces subordinate clause |
| das | Article | das Buch | the book | Neuter definite article |
| das | Demonstrative | Das ist schön | That is beautiful | Can replace with 'dieses' |
| das | Relative pronoun | das Buch, das ich lese | the book that I read | Refers back to noun |
Examples
Ich weiß, dass er kommt.
I know that he comes. (conjunction)
Das Buch ist interessant.
The book is interesting. (article)
Das ist mein Auto.
That is my car. (demonstrative pronoun)
Das Buch, das ich lese, ist gut.
The book that I read is good. (relative pronoun)
Ich glaube, dass du recht hast.
I believe that you are right. (conjunction)
Er sagt, dass er müde ist.
He says that he is tired. (conjunction)
Common Mistakes
Ich weiß, das er kommt
Ich weiß, dass er kommt
When introducing a subordinate clause, use 'dass' (with double 's'), not 'das'.
dass Buch
das Buch
When used as an article before a noun, use 'das' (single 's'), not 'dass'.
Ich glaube das er kommt
Ich glaube, dass er kommt
When 'that' introduces a clause, use 'dass' (with comma). 'Das' would be a pronoun referring to something.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with interactive exercises. Practice makes perfect!
Start Exercises →Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which article to use?
German articles (der, die, das) depend on the gender of the noun. While there are some patterns, many nouns must be memorized. Practice and exposure to German will help you learn them naturally.
What's the difference between definite and indefinite articles?
Definite articles (der, die, das) mean 'the' and refer to specific things. Indefinite articles (ein, eine) mean 'a/an' and refer to non-specific things. Both must match the noun's gender: use 'ein' for masculine/neuter and 'eine' for feminine.
Are there rules for determining noun gender?
While there are some helpful patterns (e.g., words ending in -ung are usually feminine), there are many exceptions. The best approach is to learn nouns with their articles from the beginning.
What happens if I use the wrong article?
While using the wrong article is a common mistake, native speakers will usually still understand you. However, using the correct article is important for sounding natural and fluent in German.