By the end of this article, you will have a thorough understanding of German dependent clauses and how to use them confidently in your written and spoken German.

What are Dependent Clauses?

Dependent clauses, also known as subordinate clauses, are a group of words that contain a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. They provide additional information to the main clause and are connected to it by a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.

In German, dependent clauses have a specific word order, which is different from that of independent clauses. The conjugated verb is placed at the end of the dependent clause, while the subject and other elements follow the conjunction or pronoun that introduces the clause.

Types of Dependent Clauses in German

There are several types of dependent clauses in German, each with its purpose and usage. Let’s explore them one by one.

1. Subordinate Clauses Introduced by Subordinating Conjunctions

These clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as weil (because), dass (that), obwohl (although), and wenn (if/when). The conjugated verb is placed at the end of the clause.

Example:

• Er kommt nicht, weil er krank ist. (He’s not coming because he’s sick.)

2. Relative Clauses

Relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns like der, die, das, welcher, welche, welches, and wo. They provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause.

Example:

• Das ist das Auto, das ich kaufen möchte. (That’s the car I want to buy.)

3. Indirect Questions

Indirect questions are dependent clauses that express a question indirectly. They are introduced by interrogative pronouns or adverbs such as wer, was, wann, wo, and warum. The conjugated verb is placed at the end of the clause.

Example:

• Ich weiß nicht, wann der Zug abfährt. (I don’t know when the train leaves.)

4. Infinitive Clauses

Infinitive clauses express an action using the infinitive form of a verb, usually combined with the preposition zu. They are often used to replace a subordinate clause or to express a purpose, intention, or result.

Example:

• Er geht ins Kino, um einen Film zu sehen. (He goes to the cinema to watch a movie.)

Forming Dependent Clauses

The formation of dependent clauses in German follows a specific word order, which is different from that of independent clauses. Let’s take a closer look at the word order in dependent clauses.

Word Order in Dependent Clauses

In German dependent clauses, the conjugated verb is placed at the end of the clause. The subject and other elements follow the conjunction or pronoun that introduces the clause. If there is an auxiliary verb or a modal verb, it comes before the main verb.

Examples:

• Ich glaube, dass er den Schlüssel verloren hat. (I believe that he has lost the key.)
• Obwohl es regnet, gehen wir spazieren. (Although it’s raining, we’re going for a walk.)

Word Order with Infinitive Clauses

In infinitive clauses, the infinitive verb comes at the end of the clause, preceded by the preposition zu. However, if the main verb is a separable verb, the zu is placed between the prefix and the stem of the verb.

Examples:

• Sie hat keine Zeit, um das Buch zu lesen. (She doesn’t have time to read the book.)
• Er versucht, das Fenster aufzumachen. (He tries to open the window.)

Using Dependent Clauses in Sentences

Dependent clauses can be used in various ways to add detail, provide explanations, or create complex sentences. Here are some common ways to use dependent clauses in German sentences:

Combining Independent and Dependent Clauses

Dependent clauses can be combined with independent clauses to create complex sentences. The dependent clause can either precede or follow the independent clause, separated by a comma.

Examples:

• Wenn es regnet, bleiben wir zu Hause. (If it rains, we stay at home.)
• Sie spielt Klavier, obwohl sie müde ist. (She plays the piano, although she’s tired.)

Replacing Dependent Clauses with Infinitive Clauses

Sometimes, infinitive clauses can replace subordinate clauses, making the sentence structure more concise.

Examples:

• Um fit zu bleiben, mache ich jeden Tag Sport. (Instead of: Ich mache jeden Tag Sport, damit ich fit bleibe.)
• Sie hat keine Zeit, um das Buch zu lesen. (Instead of: Sie hat keine Zeit, weil sie das Buch lesen muss.)

Conclusion

Understanding and mastering dependent clauses is essential for achieving fluency in German grammar. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well on your way to confidently using dependent clauses in your written and spoken German. Remember to practice regularly and pay close attention to the formation, word order, and usage of dependent clauses to ensure your success in mastering this important aspect of the German language.