Relative pronoun
The relative pronoun (sometimes: pronoun ) is a word that introduces a relative clause, while in the relative clause takes over the function of a noun group and whose content refers to the one noun of the parent record to which the relative clause adjoins. Relative pronoun represent only one of several strategies is to form relative clauses; in many languages, there are instead also relative clauses that are introduced by conjunctions or uneingeleitete relative clauses.
- 3.1 Defining relative clauses
- 3.2 Unnecessary relative clauses
German language
Forms of the relative pronoun
Relative pronouns are in the grammar of the German distinguished from Relative Adverbs, as only pronoun for the substantive characteristics typical case, number, gender are inflected.
The, the, the
The German relative pronoun is partially homonymous with the definite article. It differs from its forms only from that of adding suffix "- s " in the genitive and dative plural of:
Relative pronouns and articles are grammatically yet clearly distinguishable, since the article precedes a noun, the relative pronoun in the relative clause, however, stands alone because it represents a whole noun group.
Which, which, which
Can be used also as a relative pronoun who, which, that; in particular it is often used when it / the / passing immediately adjacent to the other in function. Examples:
This form is to be found, however, almost exclusively in the written language, in spoken language they hardly occurs. This relative pronoun is used occasionally to repeated words by coincidence from that, to avoid that with an identical provisions of Article or by relative rates of second order. Frequently which, which, which called stylistically less beautiful.
Syntax of the relative pronoun
The relative pronoun introduces a relative clause and carries the features of number and gender of the noun to which it refers. However, the case of the relative pronoun is determined by its grammatical function in the relative clause.
Example:
In this set
- The = a relative pronoun
- Man = the word in the main clause to which the relative pronoun refers
- I still owe money = the relative clause
The dative form which appears because the verb in the relative clause owe a dative demands on its complement; the characteristics of " masculine, singular " of the form, however, the result from the fact that the captured noun man has these features.
Other modes of formation of relative clauses in German
In old-fashioned German can "so" take the form of a relative clause the word; it is traditionally called Nota relationis, but behaves parallel to the relative clause - conjunctions in other languages .
In some dialects and partly in the vernacular of today's German occurs a similar appearance by relative clauses with "where" can be initiated, for example, in Swiss German.
In other dialects, such as Viennese, also occurs an immutable " thing " on, which is then not a pronoun, but apparently also by a conjunction
Latin
The Latin knows " qui " ( = the one who ), " quicumque " ( ie anybody who; whoever) and " Quisquis " ( anyone who; whoever). As in German, the relative pronouns are bent:
English Language
For the use of the relative pronoun in the English language to distinguish between necessary and non- defining relative clauses is ( vs -defining. Relative non -defining clauses ).
Defining relative clauses
Defining relative clauses are relative clauses that contain information that are essential for the understanding of the parent record. Defining relative clauses are not separated by a comma or a pause from the main set. As a relative pronoun "who", "which" and "that " are available.
Represents the relative pronoun a subject, as it is for people "who" or " that" and stuff "that ".
If an object is represented, the relative pronoun often ( contact set ) is omitted:
However, it is optional for the people "which" or " that", and things "that " or "which" are used as relative pronouns.
In defining relative clauses can also "which" should be used instead of "that ". If "such " forward, takes the place of a relative pronoun "as":
Unnecessary relative clauses
Unnecessary relative clauses only contain explanatory information which are dispensable. They are separated from the main clause by a comma and a period of silence. To initiate an unnecessary relative clause is always a relative pronoun must be used; the formation of a contact set is not possible. As a relative pronouns are "who", " whom", "which" are available. " That" can not be used.
Represents the Relativpronomem a subject who stands for people "who" and things "which". Does it an object that stands for people getting " whom" (not who), for things always "which" (not that).