The dass rule in German dictates that when dass (meaning 'that') introduces a subordinate clause, the conjugated verb in that clause moves to the very end of the sentence. This is a fundamental principle for constructing complex sentences in German.
Understanding the DASS Rule
Dass is a subordinating conjunction, which connects a subordinate clause to a main clause. Subordinate clauses introduced by dass often provide additional information, express opinions, or report speech. The key characteristic of these clauses is the specific word order they enforce.
Verb Position in DASS Clauses
The most crucial aspect of the dass rule is the placement of the verb. Unlike main clauses where the conjugated verb typically appears in the second position, in a dass-clause, the conjugated verb shifts to the final position.
General Structure of a dass-clause:
Main Clause + , dass + Subject + (Additional Information/Objects) + (Verb in Infinitive, if applicable) + Conjugated Verb
Example:
- Wir denken, dass Anna das Hotel behalten wird. (We think that Anna will keep the hotel.)
In this example, wird (the conjugated form of werden, 'to become/will') is placed at the end of the subordinate clause dass Anna das Hotel behalten wird.
Breakdown of Elements in a Dass-Clause
Let's look at the structure more closely:
- Subordinating Conjunction: dass (that)
- Subject: The person or thing performing the action in the subordinate clause.
- Additional Information: This can include direct objects, indirect objects, adverbs, or prepositional phrases.
- Verb in Infinitive: If the clause contains a modal verb (e.g., können, müssen) or a verb forming a future tense (like werden with an infinitive), the infinitive form of the verb will appear before the conjugated verb.
- Conjugated Verb: The main verb of the subordinate clause, conjugated according to the subject, placed at the very end.
Practical Examples:
| Main Clause | DASS-Clause Structure | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Ich weiß, (I know,) | dass du Deutsch lernst. (that you German learn.) | I know that you are learning German. |
| Er sagt, (He says,) | dass sie heute Abend kommt. (that she today evening comes.) | He says that she is coming this evening. |
| Wir hoffen, (We hope,) | dass das Wetter schön bleibt. (that the weather nice stays.) | We hope that the weather stays nice. |
| Sie glaubt, (She believes,) | dass er die Prüfung bestehen kann. (that he the exam pass can.) | She believes that he can pass the exam. |
DASS vs. DAS: A Common Confusion
It's important not to confuse dass with das. While they sound similar, they serve entirely different grammatical functions.
| Feature | DASS | DAS |
|---|---|---|
| Part of Speech | Subordinating Conjunction (meaning 'that') | Definite Article (the) / Demonstrative Pronoun (that/this) / Relative Pronoun (which/that) |
| Function | Introduces a subordinate clause; verb goes to the end. | Refers to a neuter noun; points out something; introduces a relative clause where it replaces a neuter noun. |
| Example | Ich denke, dass er Recht hat. (I think that he is right.) | Das ist mein Buch. (That is my book.) Das Mädchen, das hier ist... (The girl, who is here...) |
| Rule of Thumb | Can usually be replaced by 'what' or 'which' in English, but often doesn't make sense. If it introduces a statement or thought, it's dass. | Can often be replaced by 'this' or 'which' in English. |
Why is this Rule Important?
Understanding the dass rule is crucial for:
- Constructing grammatically correct German sentences: Incorrect verb placement is a common mistake for learners.
- Improving comprehension: Knowing how dass-clauses work helps you understand complex sentences in German.
- Fluency in German: Mastering this rule is a significant step towards speaking and writing German naturally.
Tips for Mastering the DASS Rule
- Identify the Main Clause: First, determine the independent part of the sentence.
- Look for dass: If dass is present, a subordinate clause follows.
- Find the Conjugated Verb: Locate the verb that agrees with the subject of the dass-clause.
- Move it to the End: Ensure this conjugated verb is the last element in the dass-clause.
- Practice Regularly: The more you read and write sentences with dass, the more natural it will become.
For further exploration of German sentence structure, you can consult reputable German grammar resources online, such as Gymglish's German Grammar lessons.
