German Relative Clauses
German relative clauses describe a noun in more detail and begin with a relative pronoun like der, die, or das. The pronoun matches the gender and number of the noun it refers to, while its case depends on its role within the relative clause. The conjugated verb always moves to the end of the clause.
A relative clause adds information about a noun and usually appears directly after that noun. It begins with a relative pronoun that acts as a bridge between the main clause and the additional information. The clause is always set off by commas.
The relative pronoun takes its gender and number from the noun it refers to. If you are describing der Mann, you use der; for die Frau, you use die; for das Kind, you use das. However, the case of the relative pronoun is determined by its grammatical function inside the relative clause, not by the noun in the main clause.
The forms follow a pattern: Nominativ der/die/das/die, Akkusativ den/die/das/die, Dativ dem/der/dem/denen, Genitiv dessen/deren/dessen/deren. When a preposition precedes the relative pronoun, that preposition governs the case, as in in der or mit dem.
Word order in relative clauses follows the standard subordinate clause rule: the conjugated verb moves to the final position. This structure is essential for clarity and correctness in both spoken and written German.
- Position and function of relative clauses
- Ein Relativsatz beschreibt ein Nomen genauer und steht meist direkt hinter dem Bezugswort.
- Gender and number agreement
- Das Relativpronomen übernimmt Genus und Numerus vom Bezugswort: der Mann → der, die Frau → die, das Kind → das.
- Case determined by function in clause
- Der Kasus des Relativpronomens richtet sich nach seiner Funktion im Relativsatz, nicht nach dem Bezugswort.
- Declension table for relative pronouns
- Formen: Nominativ der/die/das/die, Akkusativ den/die/das/die, Dativ dem/der/dem/denen, Genitiv dessen/deren/dessen/deren.
- Verb-final word order and punctuation
- Das konjugierte Verb steht im Relativsatz immer am Ende; der Relativsatz wird mit Kommas abgetrennt.
- Prepositions govern case of relative pronoun
- Steht eine Präposition davor, bestimmt sie den Kasus: die Stadt, in der ich wohne; der Freund, mit dem ich reise.
Examples
Common mistakes
- Using das for all relative pronouns instead of matching gender: incorrect das Frau, die..., correct die Frau, die...
- Placing the verb in second position instead of final: incorrect der Mann, der steht dort, correct der Mann, der dort steht
- Forgetting commas around the relative clause: incorrect Der Mann der dort steht, correct Der Mann, der dort steht,
- Using the wrong case after a preposition: incorrect die Stadt, in die ich wohne, correct die Stadt, in der ich wohne
FAQ
How do I know which case to use for the relative pronoun?
Look at the role the pronoun plays inside the relative clause. If it is the subject, use nominative. If it is the direct object, use accusative. If it follows a dative verb or preposition, use dative. The case of the noun in the main clause does not matter.
Can I use was instead of der, die, or das?
Yes, but only in specific situations. Use was after alles, nichts, etwas, or after a superlative used as a noun, such as das Beste, was ich je gesehen habe. For regular nouns, always use der, die, or das.
Why does the verb go to the end in a relative clause?
German subordinate clauses, including relative clauses, follow verb-final word order. This is a fixed rule that applies whenever a subordinating element introduces a clause. The relative pronoun acts as that subordinating element.