Alamslauset

Alamslauset is a term used in Estonian grammar to describe a subordinate clause. It is a clause that depends on a main clause and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. The alamslauset adds information, context, or modifies the meaning of the main clause, forming a single composed statement.

Alamslauset can function in several ways. It may be a content clause (completing the meaning of a verb or noun) or an adverbial clause (providing information about time, place, cause, condition, purpose, or concession). Many alamslauset are introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as et (that), kui (if/when), kuna (since), sest (because), or by relative pronouns such as mis, mida, kelle, kus. It is also common for alamslauset to appear as an embedded question, introduced by kas or other question words.

Examples include:

- Ma nägin, et ta tuli. (I saw that he came.)

- Kui ta tuleb, alustame. (If/When he comes, we will start.)

- See on raamat, mida ta ostis. (This is the book that he bought.)

- Kuna ta oli väsinud, jäi ta koju. (Since he was tired, he stayed home.)

- Ma küsin, kas ta saab aidata. (I ask whether he can help.)

Punctuation in Estonian typically places a comma before the alamslauset, separating it from the main clause. The relationship between the main clause and the subordinate clause is a key feature of sentence structure in Estonian, enabling complex meanings to be conveyed succinctly within a single sentence.