Relativattribut

Relativattribut is a term used in German grammar to describe a relative clause that modifies a noun in the main clause. The clause functions as an attributive element (an attribute) and provides identifying or distinguishing information about the antecedent.

A Relativattribut is typically introduced by a relative pronoun and forms part of the sentence rather than standing apart. The relative pronoun agrees with the antecedent in gender and number, and its case is determined by its role inside the relative clause. Common forms are der, die, das (and their declined endings), welcher, welche, welches, as well as possessive or genitive forms like dessen, deren. In addition, für Personen can use wer, for things what or was can function as a relative pronoun in certain constructions. The verb of the relative clause is finite and placed at the end of that clause.

Examples:

- Der Mann, der dort steht, ist mein Nachbar.

- Die Frau, mit der ich spreche, ist Lehrerin.

- Das Buch, dessen Titel mir entfallen ist, ist spannend.

- Die Idee, was du vorschlägst, klingt interessant.

Punctuation and value: Relative clauses in German are normally set off by commas, and they may be restrictive (essential to identify the antecedent) or non-restrictive (additional information). In both cases, the Relativattribut serves to characterize the noun, though the information value differs.

Reduction and variation: In informal speech, some relative clauses can be shortened or rewritten with a participle or a prepositional phrase, but the essential function as an attributive modifier remains. The Relativattribut is an important feature for specifying entities and clarifying references within sentences.