Satzgefüge

Satzgefüge is a syntactic concept in German grammar describing a sentence that consists of at least one main clause (Hauptsatz) and at least one subordinate clause (Nebensatz) joined in a dependent relationship. The subordinate clause cannot stand alone and depends on the main clause for its full interpretation.

Structure and function: In a Satzgefüge, the Nebensatz is introduced by subordinating conjunctions (such as dass, weil, ob, obwohl, wenn, bevor, während, damit, sodass) or by relative pronouns, and the finite verb in the Nebensatz typically moves to the end of that clause. The main clause follows normal word order, with its finite verb in second position in declarative statements. A comma often separates the clauses, marking the boundary between Hauptsatz and Nebensatz. A Satzgefüge can be simple (one Hauptsatz plus one Nebensatz) or nested, with multiple embedded Nebensätze.

Examples: "Ich glaube, dass er kommt." "Bevor ich gehe, räume ich auf." "Wir bleiben zu Hause, weil es regnet." More complex instances may embed several Nebensätze: "Ich glaube, dass er sagt, dass er kommt." These constructions allow expressing time, reason, condition, concession, and more within a single sentence.

Relation to Satzreihe: A Satzgefüge contrasts with a Satzreihe (coordination), where clauses have equal syntactic status and are joined by coordinating conjunctions such as und, oder, oder simply by juxtaposition, without subordination. Satzgefüge are common in written German and are a standard means of expressing complex relationships between ideas.