Non-defining relative clauses (auch: nicht einschränkende Relativsätze) add extra information to a sentence without changing its main meaning. They are always separated by commas and can be removed without altering the core message. The relative pronouns and word order are the same as in defining clauses, but non-defining clauses are always enclosed in commas and never introduced by prepositions for the clause itself.
Relative Pronouns and Agreement
The relative pronoun in a non-defining clause agrees with the antecedent (the word it refers to) in gender and number, but its case depends on its role within the relative clause.
| Antecedent (German) | Antecedent (English) | Relative Pronoun (Nom.) | Relative Pronoun (Acc.) | Relative Pronoun (Dat.) | Relative Pronoun (Gen.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| der Mann (m.) | the man | der | den | dem | dessen |
| die Frau (f.) | the woman | die | die | der | deren |
| das Kind (n.) | the child | das | das | dem | dessen |
| die Kinder (pl.) | the children | die | die | denen | deren |
Example:
- Die Frau, die einen roten Hut trägt, ist meine Nachbarin.
- The woman, who is wearing a red hat, is my neighbor.
Which German relative pronoun would you use for a plural antecedent in the accusative case within a non-defining relative clause?
die
For a plural antecedent in the accusative case within a non-defining relative clause, the correct relative pronoun is die plural. In German, plural accusative relative pronouns are always die.
Commas
Non-defining clauses are always set off by commas on both sides (if in the middle of a sentence), whereas defining clauses have no commas.
Example:
- Mein Bruder, der in Berlin wohnt, besucht uns nächste Woche.
- My brother, who lives in Berlin, is visiting us next week.
Restrictions and Usage
- The information in a non-defining clause can be omitted without changing the main meaning.
- They are used to add extra, parenthetical, or background information.
- Non-defining clauses are more common in written and formal German.
- They never use relative pronouns like "wo," "was," or "wer." Only standard relative pronouns apply (der, die, das, etc.).
- They never appear at the beginning of a sentence.
- They cannot be used with indefinite antecedents (e.g., “jemand,” “etwas”).
Can non-defining relative clauses use the relative pronouns "wo," "was," or "wer" in German?
No, they can only use standard relative pronouns like der, die, das.
Non-defining relative clauses in German always use standard relative pronouns like der, die, das, etc. They never use pronouns like wo, was, or wer.
Examples
Here are examples of non-defining relative clauses:
- Herr Müller, der seit 20 Jahren hier arbeitet, geht bald in Rente.
(Mr. Müller, who has been working here for 20 years, is retiring soon.)
- Das Schloss, das im 18. Jahrhundert gebaut wurde, ist sehr beeindruckend.
(The castle, which was built in the 18th century, is very impressive.)
- Meine Tante, deren Sohn Arzt ist, wohnt in München.
(My aunt, whose son is a doctor, lives in Munich.)
- Berlin, das die Hauptstadt Deutschlands ist, hat viele Sehenswürdigkeiten.
(Berlin, which is the capital of Germany, has many attractions.)
Das Schloss, das im 18. Jahrhundert gebaut wurde, ist sehr beeindruckend.
The castle, which was built in the 18th century, is very impressive.
This sentence includes a non-defining relative clause providing additional historical information about the castle.
Comparison with Defining Clauses
| Feature | Defining Clauses | Non-defining Clauses |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Identify or specify a noun | Add extra information |
| Commas | None | Always present |
| Removal | Changes meaning | No change in meaning |
| Usage | More common in speech | More common in writing |
Example:
- Das Buch, das auf dem Tisch liegt, ist neu.
- (non-defining, extra info)
- Das Buch das auf dem Tisch liegt ist neu.
- (defining, specifies which book)
Placement Within Sentences
- Non-defining clauses usually follow immediately after the noun they describe.
- They can appear in the middle or at the end of a sentence, but they are always marked by commas.
- Avoid placing other commas between the noun and the non-defining clause.
Correct:
- Mein Onkel, der in Kanada lebt, kommt zu Besuch.
Incorrect:
- Mein Onkel der, in Kanada lebt, kommt zu Besuch.
Summary
- Non-defining relative clauses add extra, non-essential information.
- They are always set off by commas.
- Use standard relative pronouns (der, die, das, etc.) with case according to the clause.
- The main sentence remains grammatically complete if the clause is removed.
- More common in written and formal contexts.
In what context are German non-defining relative clauses most commonly used?
More common in written and formal contexts.
Non-defining clauses are typically found in written and formal German, where detailed and nuanced information is often provided.
Flashcards (1 of 4)
- Relative Pronoun (Nom.): der
- Relative Pronoun (Acc.): den
- Relative Pronoun (Dat.): dem
- Relative Pronoun (Gen.): dessen
- Antecedent (English): the man
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
