Relative clauses
Relative clauses add extra information to a noun and use relative pronouns that reflect gender, number, and case.
Examples
GermanTranslation
Das ist die Frau, die nebenan wohnt.
That is the woman who lives next door.
Ich suche ein Buch, das nicht zu schwer ist.
I am looking for a book that is not too difficult.
Der Mann, dem ich geschrieben habe, antwortet heute.
The man I wrote to is replying today.
Pattern
noun, relative pronoun + ... + verb
How it works
Relative clauses add extra information to a noun and use relative pronouns that reflect gender, number, and case. This pattern typically appears as noun, relative pronoun + ... + verb and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.
What to notice
- The relative clause behaves like a subordinate clause with the verb at the end.
- Case still matters inside the clause.
Why it matters
Tell stories with a clearer sense of time and relationship.
Use in context
This pattern is central to longer descriptions and more natural written German.