Relative Clauses with Prepositions

What Are Relative Clauses with Prepositions?

In German, relative clauses often use prepositions. When a preposition is required by the verb or expression, it must stay with the relative pronoun in the relative clause.

Rule:

• The preposition goes before the relative pronoun (der/die/das/welcher/welche/welches).
• The case of the relative pronoun is determined by the preposition.

Common Prepositions in Relative Clauses

Examples of Relative Clauses with Prepositions:

Dative Prepositions

Das ist mein Freund, mit dem ich zur Schule gegangen bin.
That is my friend with whom I went to school.

Die Frau, von der wir gesprochen haben, ist Lehrerin.
The woman about whom we talked is a teacher.

Das Hotel, in dem wir übernachtet haben, war sehr teuer. 
The hotel at which we stayed was very expensive.

Accusative Prepositions

Das Konzert, auf das ich mich freue, ist nächste Woche.
The concert that I am looking forward to is next week.

Die Nachbarn, über die ich mich ärgere, sind laut.
The neighbors about whom I am annoyed are loud.

Note: The relative pronoun (dem/der/das) must match the gender and number of the noun it refers to.

Relative Clauses with “Wo” (for Places)

When to Use “Wo” Instead of “in dem / in der”?

• “Wo” is used in relative clauses referring to places instead of “in dem” or “in der.”
• It is often used in spoken language because it sounds more natural.

Examples of “Wo” in Relative Clauses

Das Haus, wo ich geboren wurde, ist sehr alt.
The house where I was born is very old.
Alternative: Das Haus, in dem ich geboren wurde, ist sehr alt.

Die Stadt, wo ich studiere, ist sehr modern.
The city where I study is very modern.
Alternative: Die Stadt, in der ich studiere, ist sehr modern.

Note:

• Wo is more common in spoken German.
• In dem / in der is more formal and preferred in writing.

Relative Clauses with “Was” (for Indefinite Pronouns & Demonstratives)

When to Use “Was” Instead of “Das”?

Use “was” instead of “das” when referring to:

Indefinite pronouns:

• alles (everything)
• etwas (something)
• nichts (nothing)
• vieles (many things)
• manches (some things)

Neuter demonstrative pronouns:

• das (that)
• dieses (this)

Examples of “Was” in Relative Clauses

Alles, was sie sagt, ist wahr.
Everything that she says is true.

Etwas, was du wissen solltest, ist, dass ich bald gehe.
Something that you should know is that I am leaving soon.

Dieses Handy, was ich gestern gesehen habe, ist teuer.
This phone, which I saw yesterday, is expensive.

Note:

• “Was” is ONLY used with indefinite pronouns and neuter demonstratives.
• If referring to a specific noun, use der/die/das