objektlause

An objektlause (object clause) is a subordinate clause that functions as the direct object of a main clause. It supplies the content of what is said, thought, known, perceived, or decided, and is embedded inside the larger sentence that expresses the attitude or action. In many languages, object clauses follow verbs such as think, say, know, or want, for example in English: I know that the train arrives late.

Formation and types: Object clauses are typically introduced by a complementizer, such as that, if, or whether in many languages; other languages use different conjunctions or rely on inflection or zero-marking. They can be finite, containing a full tense-marked verb and a subject, as in She said that she would come. They can also be non-finite, such as infinitival clauses in I want to leave, where the embedded clause lacks its own finite tense. The embedded clause’s internal word order generally follows the normal syntax of the language, while its relation to the main clause is determined by a theory of complementation.

Notes on usage and variation: Object clauses contrast with simple noun phrase objects and with subject or other embedded clauses in the same language. Negation, tense, and modality can be expressed within the embedded clause. Across languages, object clauses are a central topic in the study of how verbs take arguments beyond simple nouns, enabling reporting of speech, thoughts, questions, and attitudes.