Relative Pronouns in German Relativsätze Introduction

1. Relative Pronouns in German Relativsätze Introduction German has both definite and indefinite relative pronouns. In this video, we will focus on the use of definite relative pronouns in German. The most often used relative pronouns in English are who, what and which. Basic Rules for Relative Pronouns in German: In German, relative pronouns must be used. When writing, commas must be used before introducing a relative clause Relative pronouns act much like subordinating conjunctions in German in that they send the primary conjugated verb to the end of the relative clause.

2. A definite relative pronoun must agree in gender and number with the noun or pronoun to which it refers which is often called the antecedent. The case of the relative pronoun is determined by its usewithin the relative clause. Das istder Hund,denichgesehenhabe. Conjugated 1st verb is pushed to the end of the relative clause. Antecedent: Noun which the relative pronoun refers back to. Relative Pronoun: agrees with antecedent in number and gender….changed to reflect that in this sentence it is being used as a direct object, therefore, accusative case. Relative clause is set off by the use of a comma.

3. Look at this chart on how the definite relative pronouns change depending upon the case (or if you prefer – the function) of how it is used in the sentence. To ease understanding of the use of definite relative pronouns, we will cover the use of relative pronouns in each of the above cases with a separate video.

4. Note: Unlike English, a German relative pronoun that is part of a prepositional phrase must stay with that preposition. Look at the example below. Is that the man you spoke with? Preposition separated Ist das der Mann, mitdemdu gesprochen hast? Preposition still attached in front of relative pronoun and proceeded by comma.