What is the difference between das and dass?

Does it matter whether you write das or dass in German? 

Yes it is important and you should know the difference.

On this page I will explain to you when to write das or dass. Below you will also find exercises with solutions.

‘das’ with one ‘s’ as article

You probably know the 3 articles: der, die, das.

When we use the word das as an article, it is always spelled with one ‘s’.

The article is always before the noun, but not always directly before the noun.

Here some examples:

• Das Boot ist groß.
  The boat is big.
• Das fleißige Kind lernt Deutsch.
  The diligent kid learns German.
• Das alte Brot ist verschimmelt.
  The old bread is moldy.

‘das’ with one ‘s’ as relative pronoun

We can use the word das with a one ‘s’ as a relative pronoun.

We use the pronoun in the subordinate clause and it refers to a noun in the main clause. Here are a few examples (the relative pronoun is orange):

1. Paul trinkt ein Bier, das ihm schmeckt.
   Paul drinks a beer that he likes.
2. Gib mir das Feuerzeug, das auf dem Tisch liegt.
   Give me the lighter that’s on the table.
3. Das Bild, das an der Wand hängt, ist schön.*
   The picture that hangs on the wall is beautiful.

*Note:

Main clause: Das Bild ist schön.
Subordinate clause: …, das an der Wand hängt

The pronoun das (in the subordinate clause) refers to the noun Bild (in the main clause).

‘das’ with one ‘s’ as demonstrative pronoun

We often use the word das as a demonstrative pronoun.

We want to draw attention to a thing or a person. Demonstrative pronouns are usually emphasized a little more.

Imagine a boy who wants to show you something and points his finger at it.

• Was ist das?
  What is this?
• Ist das ein Vogel? 🦅
  Is this a bird?
• Ist das ein Flugzeug? ✈️
  Is this a plane?
• Nein, das ist Superman. 🦸‍♂️
  No, this is Superman.

dass with double-s

The word dass with double-s is at the beginning of a subordinate clause and does not refer to a noun.

This is the big difference!

The word dass connects a main clause and a subordinate clause and is therefore a conjunction. There is a comma between the main and subordinate clauses.

• Ich freue mich, dass es dich gibt.
  I am happy that you exist.
• Ich glaube, dass es bald regnet.
  I think (that) it’s going to rain soon.
• Denk daran, dass du deine Medizin nimmst.
  Make sure (that) you are taking your medicine.

When do you write dass with a double-s at the beginning of a sentence?

Es ist auch möglich, dass der Nebensatz am Anfang steht!

It is also possible that the subordinate clause is at the beginning!

Dass der Nebensatz am Anfang steht, ist auch möglich! 😉

The das-dass-Rule

Remember:

The word dass is a conjunction and does not refer to a noun.

So, if you want to write the word and you have no relation to a noun, write it with a double-s.

🎓 Das or dass – Exercises

_____ Boot ist groß.
The boat is big.

Ich freue mich, _____ du heute Geburtstag hast.
I am happy that it is your birthday today.

_____ dort drüben ist ein Boot.
That’s a boat over there.

Gib mir _____ Feuerzeug, _____ auf dem Tisch liegt.
Give me the lighter that’s on the table.

_____ Haus, _____ an der Straße steht, ist klein.
The house on the street is small.

Was ist _____?
What’s this?

Ehemann: Liebling, meinst du nicht, _____ _____ Kleid etwas zu klein ist?
Husband: Darling, don’t you think the dress is a little too small?

Ehefrau: Interessant wie du formulierst, _____ du heute auf der Couch schlafen willst. 😲
Wife: Interesting how you put it that you want to sleep on the couch today. 

You may also find the following links useful:

Difference between als and wenn in German

When to use gern vs gerne?

dann vs denn in German – when to use which?

German words ending in chen – diminutive