Defining clauses specify exactly which person or thing is being talked about. They are a type of relative clause—meaning they start with a relative pronoun (who, which, that) and give essential information that defines the noun.
What Are Defining Clauses?
Defining clauses are a kind of relative clause that give information needed to identify the noun they modify. Without this clause, the sentence would lose its precise meaning because the noun wouldn’t be clearly defined.
- Introduced by relative pronouns like der, die, das (who/which/that in German).
- The information in the clause is essential for identifying the noun.
- The pronoun agrees in gender and number with the noun it refers to, but its case depends on its role in the relative clause.
- The verb always appears at the end of the clause.
Examples
| German Example | English Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Das ist der Mann, der im Park läuft. | That is the man who is running in the park. |
| Ich kenne ein Mädchen, das Geige spielt. | I know a girl who plays the violin. |
| Hier ist das Haus, das vor zehn Jahren gebaut wurde. | Here is the house that was built ten years ago. |
How to Form Defining Clauses
- Start with the main clause.
- Add a relative pronoun (der, die, das, etc.) that matches the gender and number of the noun.
- Write the relative clause, placing the conjugated verb at the end.
Relative Pronouns Table
| Nominative | Accusative | Dative | Genitive |
|---|---|---|---|
| der, die, das, die (pl.) | den, die, das, die (pl.) | dem, der, dem, denen (pl.) | dessen, deren, dessen, deren (pl.) |
The pronoun’s case depends on its role in the relative clause (subject, object, etc.).
Example Table
| Role in Clause | German Example | English Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Subject (Nominative) | Die Frau, die singt, ist meine Tante. | The woman who is singing is my aunt. |
| Direct Object (Accusative) | Der Mann, den ich sehe, ist Arzt. | The man whom I see is a doctor. |
| Indirect Object (Dative) | Das Kind, dem ich helfe, ist müde. | The child whom I am helping is tired. |
| Possessive (Genitive) | Der Mann, dessen Auto neu ist, wohnt hier. | The man whose car is new lives here. |
Summary
- Defining clauses give essential information to identify a noun.
- Introduced by relative pronouns that agree with the noun in gender and number.
- Verb appears at the end of the relative clause.
- Help create precise, meaningful sentences by specifying exactly who or what is meant.
Flashcards (1 of 7)
- English Equivalent: That is the man who is running in the park.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
