Lesson 16ª

 

 

 

 

 

   

The attribute (Cont)

a) Adjective with attribute value

An adjective can have attribute value towards another adjective or participle. In this case, the attribute is placed in front of the main adjective.

äußerst intelligent - extremely intelligent

schlecht gebaut - badly built

gut gekocht - well known

If these two adjectives (main and its atribute) accompany a declined noun, only the main adjective is declined (the attribute adjective is not declined).

Nom: das schlecht gebaute Haus - the badly built house

Gen.: des schlecht gebauten Hauses

Dat.: dem schlecht gebauten Haus

Acc.: des schlecht gebauten Hauses

b) Infinitive with attribute value

A noun + prepositions zu + infinitive can have an attribute value.

die Idee, ein Buch zu schreiben - The idea of writing a book

der Wunsch, ein Haus zu kaufen - The desire of buying a house

In this case, the noun that is part of the attribute can be accompanied by an adjective.

das Projekt, neue Flugzeuge zu bauen - The project of building new aeroplanes.

c) Subordiante with attribute value

A subordinate sentence can have attribute value.

der Baum, der dort steht - The tree that is there.

In this case, the subordinate sentence which has attribute value is separated by commas away from the main sentence.

Das Auto, das ich gekauft habe, war sehr teuer.

Das Essen, das Anne gekocht hat, schmeckte uns nicht.

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Exercises

Translate the following sentences.

(Click in the box to see the answers; double click to return to the original)