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)