C2 Relative Clauses 6 min read 困难

Satzbezogene Relativsätze mit 'was' und 'wo(r)-' Präpositionalpronomen

Sentence-referring relative clauses use 'was' or 'wo(r)-' to elegantly comment on entire preceding thoughts or situations.
标记为已学
开始练习

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'was' to refer to an entire preceding clause and 'wo(r)-' to replace prepositional objects.

  • Use 'was' when the relative clause refers to the entire content of the main clause: 'Er lügt, was mich ärgert.'
  • Use 'wo(r)-' + preposition for inanimate objects: 'Das ist das Haus, worin ich wohne.'
  • If the preposition starts with a vowel, add 'r' to 'wo': 'worin', 'worauf', 'wovon'.
Main Clause + , + (was / wo(r)- + Prep) + ... + Verb

Overview

You have already mastered the basics of German relative clauses. You know how to describe a noun using der, die, or das. But what happens when you want to comment on an entire situation?
Imagine you are at a job interview. You mention you speak five languages. You want to add that this fact is a huge advantage.
You aren't just describing languages; you are describing the fact that you speak them. This is where sentence-referring relative clauses come in. They act like a meta-commentary on your own speech.
In English, we often use which for this (e.g.,
He forgot my birthday, which annoyed me
). In German, we use was or special wo(r)- compounds. This is high-level German that makes your transitions smooth and your logic clear.
Think of it as the ultimate tool for adding nuance without starting a new, clunky sentence.

How This Grammar Works

Unlike standard relative clauses, these don't have a single noun as an antecedent. Instead, the entire preceding clause is the boss. The relative pronoun was or the pronominal adverb wo(r)- looks back at the whole idea. If the verb in your relative clause doesn't need a preposition, you use was.
For example: Er hat die Beförderung erhalten, was uns alle sehr freut. The thing that makes us happy isn't just the promotion, but the fact that he got it. If your relative clause uses a verb that requires a preposition (like warten auf or rechnen mit), you must use the wo(r)- form. It’s like a grammar glue that binds two complex thoughts together.
This structure is incredibly common in academic writing and sophisticated daily conversation. It helps you avoid repeating yourself or using too many short, choppy sentences.

Formation Pattern

1
Start with a complete main clause or a subordinate clause.
2
Always place a comma after the first clause. German loves its commas!
3
Choose your connector: Use was if the relative clause verb takes a direct object or no preposition. Use wo + [preposition] if the verb requires one.
4
Add an r if the preposition starts with a vowel (e.g., wo + auf = worauf).
5
Place the conjugated verb of the relative clause at the very end of the sentence.
6
Ensure the relative clause provides a comment, a consequence, or a summary of the first part.

When To Use It

Use this structure whenever you need to evaluate a situation. It is perfect for professional settings. Imagine you are writing an email: Wir haben das Projekt vor der Frist abgeschlossen, was die Kundenzufriedenheit deutlich steigern wird. Here, was summarizes the success.
Use wo(r)- when your reaction involves a specific prepositional verb. For instance, Der Aktienkurs ist gefallen, womit wir nicht gerechnet hatten. (The stock price fell, which we hadn't expected). It’s also great for social situations.
If a friend tells you they finally moved out, you might say: Du hast endlich eine Wohnung gefunden, worauf wir heute anstoßen sollten! It adds a layer of sophistication that shows you aren't just translating from English, but thinking in German structures.

When Not To Use It

Do not use was if you are referring to a specific person. That is a common trap! If you say Der Mann, was..., your German teacher might shed a tear.
People always get der, die, or welcher. Also, do not use was when referring to a specific gendered noun. If you want to describe a table, use der.
This grammar is strictly for abstract ideas, whole sentences, or neuter pronouns like alles, nichts, and etwas. Think of it like a grammar traffic light: was only turns green for whole sentences or indefinite concepts. If there is a clear noun involved, the light stays red for was and you must use a standard relative pronoun.

Common Mistakes

Even native speakers mess this up when they are tired, but you can be better. The most frequent error is using das as a relative pronoun for a whole sentence. In English, we say that, so it’s tempting to say Er kam zu spät, das ärgerte mich. This is 100% wrong in written German. It must be was. Another mistake is splitting the preposition: was ich mich darüber freue instead of worüber ich mich freue. Remember, the wo(r)- form is a single word. Also, watch out for the r. It’s not woauf, it’s worauf. It acts like a little cushion between the vowels so the word doesn't sound like a hiccup. Finally, don't forget the comma. Without it, the sentence loses its logical structure.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

How does this differ from da(r)- compounds? Da(r)- compounds (like darüber or damit) usually start a new, independent sentence. They refer back to something mentioned previously, but they don't connect the clauses.
Ich habe gewonnen. Darüber freue ich mich. (Two sentences). With our relative clauses, we merge them: Ich habe gewonnen, worüber ich mich freue. (One sentence).
The relative version is much more fluid and elegant. Also, distinguish this from was used after superlatives. Das ist das Beste, was ich je gehört habe. Here, was refers to das Beste, not the whole sentence.
It looks similar, but the logic is slightly different. At C2, you should be able to toggle between these styles depending on how much punch you want your sentence to have.

Quick FAQ

Q

Can I use was to refer to a whole paragraph? A: Usually, it refers to the immediately preceding clause, but context can extend it to the general idea. Q: Is womit formal? A: It is standard German. Using mit was is very informal and should be avoided in writing. Q: Does the verb always go at the end? A: Yes, it is a subordinate clause, so the verb is the caboose of the train. Q: Can I use woran for people? A: No, never. Use an den / an die for people. Q: Why do we use was for whole sentences? A: Because a whole sentence is considered a neuter abstract concept, and was is the universal neuter relative pronoun.

Wo(r)- Compound Formation

Preposition Wo(r)- Form Example
auf
worauf
Das worauf ich warte.
in
worin
Das worin ich lebe.
mit
womit
Das womit ich schreibe.
über
worüber
Das worüber wir reden.
von
wovon
Das wovon ich träume.
für
wofür
Das wofür ich danke.

Meanings

These structures allow you to connect a whole thought or an inanimate object to a relative clause without repeating nouns.

1

Clause-referencing 'was'

Refers to the entire preceding statement.

“Sie kommt zu spät, was mich nervt.”

“Er hat gekündigt, was niemand erwartet hat.”

2

Inanimate 'wo(r)-' pronouns

Replaces a prepositional object referring to things.

“Das ist der Stuhl, worauf ich sitze.”

“Das ist das Ziel, worauf wir hinarbeiten.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Satzbezogene Relativsätze mit 'was' und 'wo(r)-' Präpositionalpronomen
Type Structure Example
Clause-Ref
Main Clause + , + was + ...
Er lacht, was mich freut.
Inanimate
Noun + , + wo(r)- + Prep + ...
Das Buch, worin ich lese.
Negative
Main Clause + , + was + nicht + ...
Er kam nicht, was mich nicht wundert.
Question
Was + ... + ?
Was ist das, worüber du sprichst?
Complex
Noun + , + wo(r)- + ... + Verb
Das Haus, worin ich wohne, ist alt.

正式程度

正式
Dass er gelogen hat, was bedauerlich ist.

Dass er gelogen hat, was bedauerlich ist. (Describing a lie.)

中性
Er hat gelogen, was bedauerlich ist.

Er hat gelogen, was bedauerlich ist. (Describing a lie.)

非正式
Er hat gelogen, was echt mies ist.

Er hat gelogen, was echt mies ist. (Describing a lie.)

俚语
Er hat gelogen, was voll kacke ist.

Er hat gelogen, was voll kacke ist. (Describing a lie.)

Relative Clause Mapping

Relative Clause

Referent

  • was Whole clause
  • wo(r)- Inanimate object
免费注册阅读完整解释

按水平分级的例句

1

Das ist gut, was ich weiß.

That is good, which I know.

2

Er lernt, was wichtig ist.

He learns what is important.

1

Sie kommt spät, was mich stört.

She is coming late, which bothers me.

2

Das ist das Haus, wo ich wohne.

That is the house where I live.

1

Er hat gelogen, was alle enttäuscht hat.

He lied, which disappointed everyone.

2

Das ist der Tisch, worauf das Buch liegt.

That is the table on which the book lies.

1

Die Firma ist pleite, was zur Kündigung führte.

The company is bankrupt, which led to the dismissal.

2

Das ist das Problem, worüber wir sprachen.

That is the problem about which we spoke.

1

Er ignorierte die Warnung, was fatale Folgen hatte.

He ignored the warning, which had fatal consequences.

2

Das ist das Ziel, worauf wir hinarbeiten.

That is the goal toward which we are working.

1

Die Regierung trat zurück, was eine Neuwahl erforderlich machte.

The government resigned, which made a new election necessary.

2

Das ist der Punkt, worauf es ankommt.

That is the point on which it depends.

容易混淆

Satzbezogene Relativsätze mit 'was' und 'wo(r)-' Präpositionalpronomen 对比 Relative Pronouns vs. Was

Learners use 'was' for nouns.

常见错误

✗

Der Mann, was ich kenne.

✓

Der Mann, den ich kenne.

Use 'den' for people.
✗

Das Haus, was ich wohne.

✓

Das Haus, in dem ich wohne.

Use 'in dem' for places.
✗

Das Buch, wo ich lese.

✓

Das Buch, in dem ich lese.

Avoid 'wo' for things.
✗

Er ist krank, der mich traurig macht.

✓

Er ist krank, was mich traurig macht.

Use 'was' for the whole fact.
✗

Das ist das Ziel, wo ich arbeite.

✓

Das ist das Ziel, worauf ich hinarbeite.

Use 'worauf' for inanimate objects.
✗

Ich habe Hunger, der mich nervt.

✓

Ich habe Hunger, was mich nervt.

Use 'was' for the situation.
✗

Das ist der Stuhl, wo ich sitze.

✓

Das ist der Stuhl, worauf ich sitze.

Use 'worauf' for inanimate objects.
✗

Sie hat gewonnen, der mich freut.

✓

Sie hat gewonnen, was mich freut.

Use 'was' for the whole clause.
✗

Das ist die Idee, wo ich denke.

✓

Das ist die Idee, woran ich denke.

Use 'woran' for abstract things.
✗

Das ist der Plan, wo wir zustimmen.

✓

Das ist der Plan, dem wir zustimmen.

Use dative relative pronoun for 'zustimmen'.
✗

Er kam zu spät, der mich ärgerte.

✓

Er kam zu spät, was mich ärgerte.

Use 'was' for the clause.
✗

Das ist das Haus, worin ich wohne.

✓

Das ist das Haus, in dem ich wohne.

Both are correct but 'in dem' is more natural.

句型

___, was mich sehr ___.

Real World Usage

Social Media constant

Er hat gewonnen, was mega ist!

免费注册查看所有例句
🎯

The 'Was' Test

If you can replace the antecedent with 'die Tatsache, dass...', use 'was'.

Smart Tips

Use 'was'.

Er kam spät, der mich nervte. → Er kam spät, was mich nervte.

发音

wo-RAUF

Stress

Stress the 'wo' in 'worauf'.

记住它

记忆技巧

Was for the whole thought, Wo(r) for the thing you bought.

视觉联想

Imagine a giant 'WAS' bubble encompassing a whole sentence, and a 'WOR-' hook pulling an inanimate object out of a box.

Rhyme

Was refers to the whole idea, Wo(r)- makes the object clear.

Story

I told a lie, which (was) made my mom sad. I looked at the table, on which (worauf) my book lay. I realized that grammar, which (was) is hard, is actually fun.

Word Web

wasworaufworinwomitworüberwovon

挑战

Write 3 sentences about your day using 'was' to comment on your actions.

文化笔记

Using 'wo' for people is common in spoken dialects but strictly forbidden in formal writing.

Derived from Old High German interrogative pronouns.

对话开场白

“

Was ist etwas, was dich heute gefreut hat?

日记主题

Describe a situation that surprised you today.

常见错误

Incorrect

正确

Incorrect

正确

Incorrect

正确

Incorrect

正确

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

Er hat gelogen, ___ mich ärgert.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: was
Refers to the whole clause.

Score: /1

练习题

1 exercises
Fill in the blank.

Er hat gelogen, ___ mich ärgert.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: was
Refers to the whole clause.

Score: /1

常见问题 (1)

No, never.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

免费注册开始练习

In Other Languages

Spanish high

lo que

Spanish uses 'lo que' for everything; German distinguishes between 'was' and 'das'.

French high

ce qui / ce que

French requires subject/object distinction for 'ce qui/ce que'.

Japanese low

koto

Japanese structure is entirely different, placing the verb at the end of the relative clause.

Arabic moderate

ma

Arabic 'ma' is less flexible for clause-referencing than German 'was'.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Das Gerundiv (Partizip I mit 'zu') als attributive Passivform
Next
Archaische und gehobene Konnektoren (wenngleich, obschon, unbeschadet)

Related Grammar Rules

B1

德语与格关系代名词 (dem, der, denen)

### Overview 在德语学习中，关系从句（Relativsätze）是区分初学者和进阶者的分水岭。很多同学在描述事物时，往往只能用简单的...
B1

描述地点：使用 'wo' 的关系从句

Overview German relative clauses with `wo` serve a fundamental purpose: they provide additional, specific information ab...
B2

“给谁”的胶水：Dative（第三格）关系代词 (dem, der, denen)

Overview 你有没有试过八卦某人，但因为不知道怎么说“to whom”（给谁）或“with whom”（和谁）而卡住了？结果你说起话来像个机器...
C2

使用 'wo-' 复合词连接句子 (Satzanschluss)

Overview At the C2 level, mastering German requires moving beyond simple conjunctions to create a sophisticated and log...
C1

第二格关系从句：使用 'dessen' 和 'deren' (Whose)

### Overview 在德语学习的C1阶段，你已经不再满足于简单的陈述句，而是追求表达的逻辑严密性与文风的优雅。在德语中，`Genitivr...
Was this helpful?

评论 (0)

登录后评论
还没有评论。成为第一个分享想法的人！