nachdem or danach?
b1Both say something comes later, but they build the sentence differently: nachdem introduces a subordinate clause and pushes the verb to the end, danach is an adverb and leaves the verb in second position.
nachdem
A conjunction, verb to the end. It requires a shift in tense: the subordinate clause sits one step earlier than the main clause, usually past perfect with simple past, or perfect with present.
Nachdem ich gegessen hatte, ging ich spazieren.After I had eaten, I went for a walk.
danach
An adverb, verb in second position. It links two main clauses of equal rank and needs no shift in tense.
Ich habe gegessen. Danach ging ich spazieren.I ate. After that I went for a walk.
The mistake
Nachdem ich gegessen hatte, danach ging ich spazieren.
Nachdem ich gegessen hatte, ging ich spazieren.
Nachdem already establishes the sequence; danach repeats it and additionally occupies the first position in the main clause.
Rule of thumb
Look at where the verb sits: if it is at the end, nachdem belongs in front. If it is in second position, take danach.
Learn this with merke.me
Create a free account to practice this with spaced repetition and track your progress.
Start free