Subordinate clauses, known as Nebensätze in German, play a crucial role in the construction of complex sentences. They provide additional information and context, often adding depth and nuance to the main clause. Understanding how to correctly form and use subordinate clauses is essential for advancing your German language skills, especially at an intermediate level.
Subordinate clauses are dependent on the main clause, meaning they cannot stand alone as complete sentences. They are typically introduced by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns, which dictate the structure and word order of the clause.
Types of Subordinate Clauses
There are several types of subordinate clauses, each serving a different function within a sentence:
- Relative Clauses: These clauses provide additional information about a noun mentioned in the main clause. They are introduced by relative pronouns such as der, die, das, or welcher, welche, welches. For example: Das Buch, das du mir gegeben hast, ist sehr interessant. (The book that you gave me is very interesting.)
- Conditional Clauses: Used to express conditions, these clauses often begin with wenn (if) or falls (in case). For example: Wenn es regnet, bleiben wir zu Hause. (If it rains, we will stay at home.)
- Temporal Clauses: These clauses provide information about the timing of the action. Common conjunctions include wenn (when), als (when, in the past), and bevor (before). Example: Bevor wir essen, müssen wir den Tisch decken. (Before we eat, we need to set the table.)
- Causal Clauses: Introduced by conjunctions like weil (because) or da (since), these clauses explain the reason for the action. Example: Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin. (I am staying at home because I am sick.)
- Concessive Clauses: These clauses express a contrast or concession, often introduced by obwohl (although) or obgleich (even though). Example: Obwohl es kalt ist, gehe ich spazieren. (Although it is cold, I am going for a walk.)
- Final Clauses: Indicating purpose, these clauses are introduced by damit (so that) or um...zu (in order to). Example: Ich lerne Deutsch, damit ich in Deutschland studieren kann. (I am learning German so that I can study in Germany.)
- Consecutive Clauses: These clauses express a consequence and are introduced by sodass (so that). Example: Er hat viel gelernt, sodass er die Prüfung bestanden hat. (He studied a lot so that he passed the exam.)
Word Order in Subordinate Clauses
One of the most important aspects of subordinate clauses in German is the word order. Unlike main clauses, where the verb typically occupies the second position, in subordinate clauses, the conjugated verb is placed at the end of the clause. This rule applies regardless of the type of subordinate clause or the conjunction used.
For example:
- Main Clause: Ich gehe ins Kino. (I am going to the cinema.)
- Subordinate Clause: weil ich den Film sehen möchte. (because I want to see the movie.)
- Combined: Ich gehe ins Kino, weil ich den Film sehen möchte. (I am going to the cinema because I want to see the movie.)
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are essential in forming subordinate clauses. Here are some common subordinating conjunctions and their meanings:
- als - when (for past events)
- bevor - before
- bis - until
- da - since, because
- damit - so that
- falls - in case
- nachdem - after
- ob - whether, if
- obwohl - although
- seit - since
- sobald - as soon as
- solange - as long as
- soweit - as far as
- sowie - as well as
- während - while
- weil - because
- wenn - if, when (for future or repeated events)
These conjunctions not only introduce the subordinate clause but also influence the verb placement within the clause.
Relative Pronouns
Relative clauses are a specific type of subordinate clause introduced by relative pronouns. These pronouns must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they refer to. The most common relative pronouns are der, die, das, which correspond to the definite articles.
Examples:
- Das ist der Mann, der mir geholfen hat. (That is the man who helped me.)
- Ich kenne die Frau, die das Buch geschrieben hat. (I know the woman who wrote the book.)
- Hier ist das Auto, das ich gekauft habe. (Here is the car that I bought.)
The relative pronoun not only introduces the clause but also serves as a reference point, connecting the subordinate clause to the noun in the main clause.
Complex Sentence Structures
As you become more proficient in German, you will encounter sentences that contain multiple subordinate clauses. These complex structures require careful attention to conjunctions and word order to ensure clarity and coherence.
For example:
Ich glaube, dass er kommt, obwohl er gesagt hat, dass er keine Zeit hat. (I believe that he is coming, although he said that he has no time.)
In this sentence, the main clause is Ich glaube, and there are two subordinate clauses: dass er kommt and obwohl er gesagt hat, dass er keine Zeit hat. Notice how each clause follows the rule of placing the conjugated verb at the end.
Practice and Application
Mastering subordinate clauses requires practice. Try to incorporate various types of subordinate clauses into your writing and speaking. Start with simple sentences and gradually increase the complexity as you become more comfortable with the structures.
Exercises:
- Create sentences using each type of subordinate clause mentioned above.
- Combine multiple subordinate clauses into a single complex sentence.
- Translate sentences from your native language into German, paying close attention to the placement of verbs in subordinate clauses.
By consistently practicing these structures, you'll develop a deeper understanding of German syntax and enhance your ability to express complex ideas clearly and accurately.
In conclusion, subordinate clauses are an integral part of the German language, enabling speakers to convey detailed and nuanced information. By mastering the use of these clauses, you will significantly improve your German language proficiency and communication skills.
