Nebengsätze

Nebensätze, also known as subordinate clauses, are grammatical constructions that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. They depend on a main clause (Hauptsatz) for their full meaning and are introduced by a subordinating conjunction (unterordnende Konjunktion) or a relative pronoun (Relativpronomen). These conjunctions, such as "weil" (because), "obwohl" (although), "dass" (that), and "wenn" (if/when), establish a relationship between the subordinate clause and the main clause, indicating causality, condition, concession, or purpose, among others.

The most significant structural difference between a Nebensatz and a Hauptsatz in German is the position of the conjugated verb. In a Nebensatz, the conjugated verb is always placed at the very end of the clause. For example, in the sentence "Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich müde bin" (I am staying home because I am tired), "bin" is the conjugated verb and it concludes the subordinate clause introduced by "weil." This verb-final word order is a defining characteristic of German subordinate clauses and distinguishes them clearly from main clauses where the conjugated verb typically occupies the second position.

Relative clauses are a type of Nebensatz that provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. They are introduced by relative pronouns like "der," "die," "das," "welcher," "welche," "welches," and interrogative pronouns like "wer," "was." These clauses function like adjectives, elaborating on a specific element. For instance, "Das Buch, das ich lese, ist spannend" (The book that I am reading is exciting) features a relative clause introduced by "das," providing more detail about "Das Buch."