Nebensatz (Subordinate Clause) in German

Introduction

In German grammar, a "Nebensatz" (subordinate clause) is a clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence. It provides additional information and depends on the main clause (Hauptsatz) to form a complete sentence.

Types of Nebensatz

1. Relativsatz (Relative Clause)

   • Introduced by relative pronouns: der, die, das, welcher, welche, welches.
   • Example: Das ist der Mann, der gestern gekommen ist. (That is the man who came yesterday.)

2. Konjunktionalsatz (Conjunctional Clause)

   • Introduced by subordinating conjunctions: dass, weil, wenn, obwohl, etc.
   • Example: Ich denke, dass er kommt. (I think that he is coming.)

3. Infinitivsatz (Infinitive Clause)

   • Formed with "zu" + infinitive.
   • Example: Er hofft, bald zu kommen. (He hopes to come soon.)

4. Partizipialsatz (Participle Clause)

   • Formed with participles.
   • Example: Die Sonne scheinte, die Vögel zwitscherten. (The sun was shining, the birds were chirping.)

Subordinating Conjunctions

• dass (that)
• weil (because)
• wenn (if, when)
• obwohl (although)
• damit (so that)
• bevor (before)
• nachdem (after)
• sobald (as soon as)
• seit (since)

Word Order in Nebensatz

In a Nebensatz, the conjugated verb is placed at the end of the clause.

Examples

• Ich weiß, dass du müde bist. (I know that you are tired.)
• Wir gehen ins Kino, wenn es regnet. (We go to the cinema when it rains.)

Position of Nebensatz

A Nebensatz can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.

Examples

1. At the Beginning:

   • Wenn es regnet, gehen wir ins Kino. (When it rains, we go to the cinema.)

2. In the Middle:

   • Wir gehen, wenn es regnet, ins Kino. (We go, when it rains, to the cinema.)

3. At the End:

   • Wir gehen ins Kino, wenn es regnet. (We go to the cinema when it rains.)

Exercises

1. Form a sentence using "weil":
   • Ich bleibe zu Hause, ____________.
2. Form a sentence using "dass":
   • Er weiß, ____________.
3. Rewrite the sentence with the Nebensatz at the beginning:
   • Wir fahren nach Berlin, wenn die Schule aus ist.

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