Purpose clause with 'damit' (different subjects)
Finalsatz mit 'damit'
'damit' (so that) introduces a full of purpose, used when the subjects differ.
Structure
damit + Subjekt ... Verb (Endstellung) - verschiedene Subjekte in beiden Teilen
damit + subject ... verb (final position) - different subjects in the two parts
Details
- Part of Speech
- Conjunction
- Register
- Standard
Explanation
What it is. damit (so that) introduces a full expressing purpose. It is the partner of um ... zu and is used especially when the two clauses have different subjects.
How it is formed. damit + + ... + (at the end of the clause). Because it is a full clause, it has its own and a conjugated .
Examples.
- Ich spreche langsam, damit alle mich gut verstehen. - I speak slowly so that everyone understands me well.
- Ich gebe dir den Schlüssel, damit du reinkommst. - I'm giving you the key so that you can get in.
- Die Eltern arbeiten viel, damit die Kinder studieren können. - The parents work hard so that the children can study.
Common mistakes. When the is the same in both clauses, um ... zu is usually preferred: Ich lerne, um zu bestehen sounds better than Ich lerne, damit ich bestehe. Don't forget that damit is a subordinating , so the goes to the end: ... damit du es verstehst, not ... damit du verstehst es.
About Purpose clause with 'damit' (different subjects)
'damit' (so that) introduces a full of purpose, used when the subjects differ.
When the subjects differ, express purpose with 'damit' + a full and the at the end: 'Ich erkläre es, damit du es verstehst.' Same → 'um ... zu'.
'damit' leitet einen vollständigen Finalnebensatz ein und wird bei verschiedenen Subjekten verwendet.
Caution
Use 'damit' when the two clauses have different subjects ('Ich erkläre es, damit du es verstehst'). With the same subject 'um ... zu' is usually preferred. The verb goes to the end.