denn

Meaning

Conj

1. for; because; since
2. (archaic,dialectal) than

Adv

1. (modal,particle) then, ever, but, now used for emphasis or to express interest, surprise or doubt, or in rhetorical questions
2. thus, so; expresses a consequence; see usage notes
3. (Northern-Germany,colloquial,regional) then, after that, in that case

Concepts

because

for

since

as

then

well

'cause

than

but

Pronounced as (IPA)

/dɛn/

Etymology

From Middle High German denne, tenne, from Old High German denna, a variant of danne (see dann). The functional split between denn and dann was prescribed only by the grammarians of the 18th century. Cognate with English then.

Sentences

Wo habe ich denn mein Freistoßspray gelassen ?

Where did I put my free kick spray?

Denn die nächsten stehen bereits in den Startlöchern.

Because the next ones are already in the starting blocks.

Ja , ist denn heut' schon Ostern ?

Yes, is it already Easter today?

Irgendwann muss man sich entscheiden , denn das Vermittlungsverfahren ist ein hohes Gut nach Amsterdam .

There comes a time when you have to come to a decision, because post-Amsterdam the conciliation procedure is the great good.

Haben wir denn Mandela und das Apartheidregime gleich behandelt ?

Did we treat Mandela and the apartheid regime equally?