Complex Sentences
Order of words in a subordinate clause
If the subordinate clause is introduced by a conjunction or an adverb, the conjugated verb is normally placed at the end of the clause.
Er sagt, dass er heute nicht zum Essen kommt. |
He says that today he’s not coming for dinner. |
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Ich freue mich, weil es endlich schneit. |
I’m happy because it’s finally snowing. |
Exception: in subordinate clauses which contain the conjunction "als" when the meaning is that of supposition, the conjugated verb goes in second place.
Es sieht so aus, als würde es heute regnen. |
It seems like it’s going to rain today. |
With subordinate clauses where there is an infinitive, the infinitive goes at the end of the sentence.
Ich wünsche mir, nächstes Jahr nach Amerika zu reisen. |
I wish to travel to America next year. |
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Er dachte, es wäre besser im Hotel zu bleiben. |
He thought it was better to stay in the hotel. |
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Exercises
Translate the following sentences.
(Click in the box to see the answers; double click to return to the original position)