Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions for connecting clauses.
Connect sentences with coordinating conjunctions (és, de, vagy). Form complex sentences with mert and hogy.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Szeretek futni, de nem szeretek úszni.
I like running, but I don't like swimming.
Otthon maradok, mert beteg vagyok.
I am staying home because I am sick.
Tudom, hogy itt vagy.
I know that you are here.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
| Hungarian | English | Type |
|---|---|---|
| és | and | coordinating |
| de | but | coordinating |
| vagy | or | coordinating |
| mert | because | subordinating |
| hogy | that | subordinating |
| ha | if | subordinating |
| amikor | when | subordinating |
Word order after subordinating conjunctions stays normal (unlike German). No comma before és in lists.
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises
Practice ExercisesGerman speakers: no verb-final word order after mert/hogy — Hungarian keeps SVO after all conjunctions. Omitting comma before mert/hogy — Hungarian requires a comma before subordinating conjunctions.
Incorrectly placing verb at end of clause after subordinating conjunction (German interference)
Omitting required comma before subordinating conjunction
Szeretek futni, de nem szeretek úszni.
I like running, but I don't like swimming.
De (but) connects two contrasting main clauses.
Otthon maradok, mert beteg vagyok.
I am staying home because I am sick.
Mert (because) introduces a reason clause. Word order stays SVO after mert.
Tudom, hogy itt vagy.
I know that you are here.
Hogy (that) links the main clause to a subordinate clause.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises