temporalnebensätze

Temporalnebensätze, also known as temporal subordinate clauses, are a type of subordinate clause in German grammar that express time relationships between events. They are introduced by conjunctions such as "als" (when), "während" (while), "bevor" (before), "nachdem" (after), "seit" (since), and "bis" (until). These clauses provide additional information about the timing of an event or action in the main clause.

The structure of a temporalnebensatz typically follows the pattern of the main clause, with the subordinate clause placed before or after the main clause, depending on the conjunction used. For example, in the sentence "Ich gehe, als die Uhr zwölf schlägt" (I go when the clock strikes twelve), the temporalnebensatz "als die Uhr zwölf schlägt" provides the time reference for the main clause "Ich gehe."

Temporalnebensätze can be used to convey a variety of time relationships, including simultaneous actions, actions that occur before or after another, and actions that have been ongoing for a certain period. They are an essential part of German grammar and are used frequently in both spoken and written language. Understanding the use and structure of temporalnebensätze is crucial for mastering the German language.