A comprehensive overview of main clauses and subordinate clauses in German grammar, including definitions, word order rules, and examples.
Understanding the difference between main clauses and subordinate clauses is crucial for mastering German sentence structure. Main clauses can stand alone as complete sentences, while subordinate clauses depend on a main clause and often change the word order. This guide explains the key differences, how to identify each type, and provides examples to illustrate their roles in German.
Main Clauses
Main clauses (Hauptsätze) express a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. They follow the standard German word order with the finite verb in the second position.
Section Summary
- Main clauses express a complete idea and can stand alone.
- They follow the SVO (subject-verb-object) order.
- The finite verb is always in the second position.
Example Table
| German Main Clause | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Ich lese ein Buch. | I am reading a book. |
| Wir gehen ins Kino. | We are going to the cinema. |
| Er spielt Fußball. | He plays football. |
Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses (Nebensätze) cannot stand alone and depend on a main clause. They often start with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., weil, dass, wenn) and place the finite verb at the end of the clause.
Section Summary
- Subordinate clauses depend on a main clause and cannot stand alone.
- They usually begin with a subordinating conjunction.
- The finite verb is placed at the end of the clause.
Example Table
| Subordinating Conjunction | German Subordinate Clause | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| weil (because) | weil ich müde bin | because I am tired |
| dass (that) | dass er kommt | that he is coming |
| wenn (if/when) | wenn es regnet | if/when it rains |
Comparison of Word Order
The primary difference between main and subordinate clauses is the position of the finite verb. Main clauses have the verb in the second position, while subordinate clauses move the verb to the end.
Does the verb placement rule apply even with multiple verbs or complex tenses?
Yes, the finite verb's position follows the main or subordinate clause rule.
Regardless of verb complexity, the finite verb obeys the position rules: second in main clauses, final in subordinate clauses.
Section Summary
- Main clauses: verb is in the second position.
- Subordinate clauses: verb moves to the end.
- This rule applies even with multiple verbs or complex tenses.
Example Table
| Clause Type | German Example | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Main Clause | Ich glaube, er kommt. | I believe he is coming. |
| Subordinate Clause | Ich glaube, dass er kommt. | I believe that he is coming. |
Coordination and Subordination
German sentences often combine clauses using coordinating or subordinating conjunctions. Coordination links main clauses without changing word order. Subordination introduces a subordinate clause with a verb-final structure.
What is the difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions in German sentence structure?
Coordinating conjunctions join main clauses without changing word order; subordinating conjunctions introduce subordinate clauses and send the verb to the end.
Coordinating conjunctions link independent clauses with normal word order, while subordinating conjunctions create dependent clauses with verb-final order.
Section Summary
- Coordinating conjunctions (und, aber, oder) join main clauses.
- Subordinating conjunctions (weil, dass, wenn) introduce subordinate clauses.
- Subordinate clauses trigger verb-final word order.
Example Table
| Type | German Example | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Coordination | Ich komme, und du bleibst. | I am coming, and you are staying. |
| Subordination | Ich bleibe, weil ich müde bin. | I am staying because I am tired. |
Punctuation and Clause Order
When a subordinate clause comes first, it is followed by a comma, and the main clause begins with the verb in the first position. If the main clause comes first, the subordinate clause follows, separated by a comma.
Section Summary
- Subordinate clauses are set off by commas.
- Clause order can be main-subordinate or subordinate-main.
- Verb positions adjust accordingly when the subordinate clause leads.
Example Table
| Clause Order | German Example | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Main + Subordinate | Ich gehe ins Bett, weil ich müde bin. | I’m going to bed because I am tired. |
| Subordinate + Main | Weil ich müde bin, gehe ich ins Bett. | Because I am tired, I’m going to bed. |
Additional Resources
Understanding clauses is foundational for German grammar. For more on related topics, explore:
Flashcards (1 of 12)
- English Translation: I am reading a book.
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
