Independent Clause For Intermediate learners
What is an Independent Clause?
An independent clause is a clause that is considered complete and it can make sense on its own. It has a simple structure and it's the basis for other types of structures that tend to be more complex. In more complex sentences the independent clause determines the tense, voice, and subject of the whole sentence.
Independent Clause vs. Dependent Clause
The main difference between an independent clause and a dependent clause is that the first one can make sense on its own but the second one is always dependent on an independent clause and is incomplete without it. The independent clause determines the tense, voice, and subject of a sentence.
Ich lerne Deutsch.
I learn German.
(independent clause)
... weil es mir SpaĂ macht.
... because it is fun for me.
(dependent clause)
Ich lerne Deutsch, weil es mir SpaĂ macht.
I'm learning German because I enjoy it.
(independent clause + dependent clause)
Types of Independent Clauses
There are three main types of independent clauses in German. They have different functions and word order.
Declarative Sentences
Imperative Sentences
Questions
Declarative Sentences
This is the most common type of sentence. It simply makes a statement about facts or information and expresses a complete idea. The verb comes second in a declarative sentence.
Das Wetter ist schön.
The weather is nice.
Ich gehe nach Hause.
I am going home.
Imperative Sentences
An imperative sentence is used for commands. You can order someone to do or not to do something with an imperative sentence. The verb comes first in these types of sentences. An imperative sentence always ends with an exclamation mark.
Komm bitte her!
Please come here!
Geht ins Kino!
Go to the cinema!
Gehen wir!
Let's go!
Mach die TĂŒr zu!
Close the door!
Questions
There are two main types of questions in German:
Yes/No Questions
W-Questions
Yes/No Questions
A yes/no question starts with a verb, and the verb is followed by the subject.
[Verb] + [Subject] + [âŠ]?
Ist das Wetter schön?
Is the weather nice?
Kommst du morgen?
Are you coming tomorrow?
Hast du Hunger?
Are you hungry?
W-Questions
A W-Question always starts with a question word. The question word is then followed by a verb.
[Question Word] + [Verb] + [Subject] + [âŠ]?
Here are some of the common W-Questions in German.
wer | who |
|---|---|
was | what |
wo | where |
woher | where from |
wohin | where to |
wann | when |
warum/wieso/weshalb | why |
wie | how |
welch- | which |
wie viel/wie viele | how much/how many |
Wie ist das Wetter?
How is the weather?
Wer ist das?
Who is that?
Wie viel kostet das?
How much does that cost?
More Complex Structures
Independent clauses are considered to be the base for many different complex structures. Here you can see some of them:
Independent Clause + Dependent Dlause
Ich gehe nach Hause, weil ich mĂŒde bin.
I am going home because I am tired.
Independent Clause + Coordinating Clause
Ich gehe nach Hause, und ich schlafe sofort ein.
I am going home, and I fall asleep immediately.
Independent Clause + Relative Clause
Ich sehe den Mann, der dort steht.
I see the man who is standing over there.
Independent Clause + Infinitive Clause
Ich gehe frĂŒh ins Bett, um morgen fit zu sein.
I'm going to bed early in order to be fit tomorrow.
Independent Clause + Participle Phrase
Er stand am Fenster, lÀchelnd und wartend.
He stood at the window, smiling and waiting.
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