Komplementtina

Komplementtina is a term used in Finnish linguistics to describe the function of a nominal phrase when it is used as a predicative complement, expressing role or state in a sentence. The form is created with the essive case suffix -na/-nä, and it answers questions like “in what role?” or “as what?” in predicative constructions.

In practice, komplementtina denotes the role or state that a subject or object occupies in relation to the predication. It is most commonly seen after verbs such as olla (to be) or toimia (to act as). The noun takes the essive form to convey “as a …” for example: Hän on opettajana (He is a teacher, i.e., in the role of a teacher) and Hän toimii juristina (He works as a lawyer). The use of the essive form highlights the functional or temporary aspect of the role rather than a permanent identity.

Grammatically, komplementtina contrasts with the nominative predicative form, which can express identity or defining characteristics without emphasizing a role. For instance, using opettaja in the nominative (Hän on opettaja) identifies the person more directly, whereas opettajana emphasizes the current role or function.

The concept is part of Finnish grammar descriptions of predicative constructions. While the idea of a predicative complement exists in many languages, the specific form and term komplementtina reflect Finnish morphological and syntactic patterns, particularly the use of the essive case to express “as a …” in predication.