Attributsnebensatz

Attributsnebensatz is a term used in German grammar to describe a subordinate clause that functions as an attribute. Attributes are words or phrases that modify or describe a noun. In the case of an attributsnebensatz, this descriptive role is fulfilled by a complete clause.

These subordinate clauses are typically introduced by a relative pronoun such as der, die, das, welcher, welche, or welches. They follow the noun they are modifying and agree with it in gender, number, and case. For example, in the sentence "Das ist das Buch, das ich gestern gekauft habe" (This is the book that I bought yesterday), "das ich gestern gekauft habe" is an attributsnebensatz modifying the noun "Buch".

The verb in an attributsnebensatz is always placed at the end of the clause, a characteristic feature of all German subordinate clauses. Attributsnebensätze provide additional information about the noun, specifying or identifying it. They are essential for constructing more complex and detailed sentences in German. Unlike appositive phrases, which are often set off by commas, attributsnebensätze are directly connected to the noun they modify. They are also distinct from adverbial subordinate clauses, which modify the verb or the entire main clause and usually answer questions of time, place, manner, or reason.