I. Theory
A subordinate clause is a sentence fragment that depends on a main clause and thus cannot stand alone. In German, these clauses have a specific word order in which the conjugated (main) verb is moved to the end of the clause.| Mein Kollege war heute nicht im Büro (main clause), weil er krank ist (subordinate clause). My colleague wasn’t in the office today because he is ill. Or Weil er krank ist (subordinate clause), war mein Kollege heute nicht im Büro (main clause). Because he is ill, my colleague wasn’t into the office today. Ich glaube (main clause), dass sie wegen des Sturms nicht zum Fest gekommen ist (subordinate clause). I believe that she didn’t come to the party due to the storm. Obwohl er für eine Geschäftsreise nach Frankfurt fliegen muss (subordinate clause), wird er am Freitag zurück sein (main clause). Although he has to fly to Frankfurt for a business trip, he will be back on Friday. |
II. Multiple Verbs in the Subordinate Clause
If the subordinate clause has both a conjugated verb as well as an infinitive, both verbs are found at the end of the sentence with the infinitive preceding the conjugated verb.| Wissen Sie, ob man hier rauchen darf? Do you know if you can smoke here? Ich glaube, dass der Film besser hätte sein können. I think that the film could have been better. Ich weiß nur, dass sie nach Russland fliegen müssen. I only know that they have to fly to Russia. |
III. Dass Clauses
A Dass clause is a subordinate clause that begins with dass. In these clauses, the conjugated verb goes at the end of the clause. However, if there isn’t a dass and just a comma separating the clauses, regular word order is maintained.| Ich glaube, dass wir am Wochenende zum Strand fahren. I think that we are driving to the beach this weekend. But Ich glaube, wir fahren am Wochenende zum Strand. I think we are are driving to the beach this weekend. Glaubst du, dass sie ihn mag? Do you think that she likes him? But Glaubst du, sie mag ihn? Do you think she likes him? Mein Vater meint, dass dieses Auto zu teuer ist. My father thinks that this car is too expensive. But Mein Vater meint, dieses Auto ist zu teuer. My father thinks this car is too expensive. |