Explanation
Advanced Multi-Part Connectors
Multi-part connectors (zweiteilige Konnektoren) are essential at the B2 level for creating complex, nuanced sentences. They allow you to express relationships between two ideas more precisely than simple conjunctions. The most common pairs are je...desto (proportionality) and sowohl...als auch (addition/emphasis).
Using 'je...desto'
This connector describes a proportional increase or decrease—the 'the more..., the more...' structure in English. The sentence structure here is tricky: the first part (starting with je) is a subordinate clause, meaning the conjugated verb moves to the end. The second part (starting with desto or umso) functions as the main clause. In this second part, the comparative adjective immediately follows 'desto', and the conjugated verb must come next (position 2).
Using 'sowohl...als auch'
This functions similarly to 'und' but provides stronger emphasis on the fact that two things are true simultaneously. It translates to 'both... and...'. Unlike 'je...desto', it does not change the basic word order of the sentence. However, if you are connecting two subjects in the singular, the verb must be in the plural form (e.g., 'Sowohl der Gärtner als auch der Assistent stutzen die Hecke').
Strategic Use in B2 Contexts
Using these connectors allows you to link complex concepts, such as how economic trends (schrumpfen) might correspond to emotional states (betrüben) or how multiple actions occur simultaneously. They are particularly useful in formal writing and professional discussions where you need to weigh different factors or describe correlations accurately.
Reference Tables
| Connector Pair | Meaning | Verb Position |
|---|---|---|
| je ... desto / umso | Proportional (The more... the more...) | Je-clause: Verb at end | Desto-clause: Verb in 2nd position |
| sowohl ... als auch | Additive (Both... and...) | Standard word order; plural verb for multiple subjects |
| nicht nur ... sondern auch | Additive (Not only... but also...) | Standard word order; contrastive emphasis |
Examples
Je mehr die Wirtschaft schrumpft, desto mehr betrübt diese Nachricht die Bürger.
The more the economy shrinks, the more this news saddens the citizens.
Sowohl der Experte als auch der Laie interpretieren die Daten durchwegs positiv.
Both the expert and the layman interpret the data consistently positively.
Je weiter die Firma ihre Aktivitäten ausdehnen will, desto eher muss der Vorstand dem Antrag stattgeben.
The further the company wants to expand its activities, the sooner the board must grant the request.
Sowohl die alten Statuen, die den Platz zieren, als auch die neuen Mauern müssen dem Sturm standhalten.
Both the old statues that adorn the square and the new walls must withstand the storm.
Je heftiger die Kritiker twittern, desto geschickter muss der Politiker kontern.
The more violently the critics tweet, the more skillfully the politician must counter.
Common Mistakes
In the 'desto' clause, the verb must come immediately after the comparative adjective (position 2).
The subject cannot come between 'desto + comparative' and the verb.
When 'sowohl... als auch' connects two singular subjects, the verb must be plural.