Defining Und Non Defining Relative Clauses
Relative clauses, or Relativsätze, are an essential part of German grammar, allowing you to add extra information to a noun or pronoun within a sentence. They provide detail and context, making your writing and speaking more precise and interesting. However, understanding the difference between defining (bestimmende) and non-defining (nicht-bestimmende) relative clauses is crucial for correct grammar and clear communication. This article will explain these two types of relative clauses in detail, with examples to help you understand the key differences.
What are Relative Clauses?
Before we dive into the types of relative clauses, let's quickly recap what they are in general. A relative clause is a subordinate clause (Nebensatz) that modifies a noun or pronoun in the main clause (Hauptsatz). It is introduced by a relative pronoun (Relativpronomen) like der, die, das, welcher, welche, welches, or a relative adverb (Relativadverb) like wo, wann, warum.
The relative pronoun takes its gender and number from the noun it refers to (the antecedent, or Bezugswort). The case (nominative, accusative, dative, or genitive) of the relative pronoun is determined by its function within the relative clause itself.
Example:
Der Mann, der dort steht, ist mein Nachbar. (The man who is standing there is my neighbor.)
In this example, the relative clause is "der dort steht" (who is standing there). The relative pronoun is "der," which refers to "der Mann" (the man). "Der" is in the nominative case because it is the subject of the verb "steht" within the relative clause.
Defining Relative Clauses (Bestimmende Relativsätze)
Defining relative clauses are essential to the meaning of the main clause. They define or identify the noun they modify. If you remove a defining relative clause, the main clause would be incomplete or ambiguous. The noun being modified would no longer be uniquely identified. These clauses are sometimes referred to as restrictive relative clauses.
Key Characteristics of Defining Relative Clauses:
- They are not set off by commas.
- They are essential to the meaning of the main clause.
- They identify or define the noun they modify.
- They cannot be omitted without changing the fundamental meaning of the sentence.
Examples:
Das Buch, das ich gelesen habe, war sehr spannend. (The book that I read was very exciting.)
In this sentence, the relative clause "das ich gelesen habe" (that I read) defines which book we are talking about. If we remove it ("Das Buch war sehr spannend" - The book was very exciting), the sentence becomes too general. We don't know which book was exciting.
Die Frau, die Deutsch spricht, arbeitet hier. (The woman who speaks German works here.)
Again, the relative clause "die Deutsch spricht" (who speaks German) identifies which woman is working here. Removing it would leave us with "Die Frau arbeitet hier" (The woman works here), which is much less specific.
Ich suche den Mann, dessen Auto kaputt ist. (I am looking for the man whose car is broken.)
Here, "dessen Auto kaputt ist" (whose car is broken) identifies the specific man being sought.
Defining relative clauses are generally introduced by the relative pronouns der, die, das, or their declined forms. While welcher, welche, and welches can technically be used, der, die, and das are more common in defining relative clauses. The relative adverb wo is used to indicate a place.
Non-Defining Relative Clauses (Nicht-Bestimmende Relativsätze)
Non-defining relative clauses provide additional, but non-essential, information about the noun they modify. They add extra detail or commentary, but the main clause remains complete and understandable even without the relative clause. Think of them as parenthetical information.
Key Characteristics of Non-Defining Relative Clauses:
- They are always set off by commas (both before and after).
- They provide additional information but are not essential to the meaning of the main clause.
- They add extra detail or commentary.
- They can be omitted without significantly changing the core meaning of the sentence.
Examples:
Mein Bruder, der in Berlin wohnt, besucht mich nächste Woche. (My brother, who lives in Berlin, is visiting me next week.)
The relative clause "der in Berlin wohnt" (who lives in Berlin) adds extra information about the brother. The core information – "Mein Bruder besucht mich nächste Woche" (My brother is visiting me next week) – remains perfectly clear even without the relative clause. We know which brother is visiting because you only have one.
Das Brandenburger Tor, das ein Wahrzeichen Berlins ist, wurde restauriert. (The Brandenburg Gate, which is a landmark of Berlin, was restored.)
The clause "das ein Wahrzeichen Berlins ist" (which is a landmark of Berlin) provides extra information about the Brandenburg Gate. Removing it – "Das Brandenburger Tor wurde restauriert" (The Brandenburg Gate was restored) – still makes perfect sense.
Unsere Katze, welche sehr verspielt ist, schläft jetzt. (Our cat, which is very playful, is sleeping now.)
Again, "welche sehr verspielt ist" (which is very playful) is additional information. "Unsere Katze schläft jetzt" (Our cat is sleeping now) is a complete and understandable sentence on its own.
Non-defining relative clauses are introduced by the relative pronouns der, die, das, welcher, welche, welches or relative adverbs like wo, wann, warum. Using welcher, welche, and welches is more common in non-defining relative clauses, although der, die, and das are also perfectly acceptable and often preferred in modern German.
Key Differences Summarized
Here's a table summarizing the key differences between defining and non-defining relative clauses:
| Feature | Defining Relative Clause (Bestimmender Relativsatz) | Non-Defining Relative Clause (Nicht-Bestimmender Relativsatz) |
|---|---|---|
| Commas | No commas | Always set off by commas |
| Importance to Meaning | Essential; defines the noun | Provides additional, non-essential information |
| Omission | Changes or obscures the meaning | Does not significantly change the core meaning |
| Common Relative Pronouns | der, die, das (welcher, welche, welches possible but less common) | der, die, das, welcher, welche, welches (welcher, welche, welches often preferred) |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is omitting commas in non-defining relative clauses, or incorrectly placing commas in defining relative clauses. Always remember the comma rule: non-defining relative clauses must be set off by commas.
Another common mistake is using the wrong relative pronoun. Remember to match the gender and number of the relative pronoun to the antecedent noun. Also, pay attention to the case required by the verb and prepositions within the relative clause.
Finally, be mindful of the word order within the relative clause. The conjugated verb typically goes at the end of the clause.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master defining and non-defining relative clauses is through practice. Try rewriting sentences, adding relative clauses to provide more detail. Pay close attention to the placement of commas and the correct use of relative pronouns. Reading German texts and identifying relative clauses will also help you develop a better understanding of how they are used in context.
Understanding the difference between defining and non-defining relative clauses is essential for mastering German grammar and communicating effectively. By understanding the rules and practicing regularly, you can confidently use these clauses to add depth and precision to your writing and speaking.
