German Relative Clauses in the Accusative Case
In the accusative, only one relative pronoun changes: der becomes den. This second lesson of our Relativsatz series shows how to build a relative clause in the accusative and why that case is needed.
Why the Accusative?
The case of a relative pronoun depends on its role inside the relative clause. If the pronoun is the direct object of the verb in that clause, you need the accusative. A quick test: ask Wen oder was? (whom or what?) about the verb of the relative clause.
The Relative Pronouns in the Accusative
- masculine: den
- feminine: die
- neuter: das
- plural: die
Compare with the nominative: only the masculine form changes (der β den), exactly like the definite articles.
Example Sentences
Gender and number come from the noun before the comma; the case comes from the job of the pronoun in the clause.
- Der Mann, den ich gestern getroffen habe, ist Arzt. (I met him, so den.)
- Die Frau, die ich kenne, heiΓt Anna.
- Das Buch, das ich gerade lese, ist spannend.
- Die Schuhe, die ich gekauft habe, sind neu.
Remember: the verb still goes to the end of the relative clause, and commas separate it from the main clause.
Before and After This Lesson
If you have not seen the concept of a relative clause yet, start with German Relative Clauses: Nominativ Explained, the first lesson of the series, and continue with relative clauses in the dative case. To review the accusative case itself, read What is Akkusativ?. For clauses with prepositions, continue with Relative Clauses WITH Prepositions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which relative pronoun do I use in the accusative?
den for masculine nouns, die for feminine, das for neuter and die for plural.
How do I know that I need the accusative?
If the pronoun is the direct object of the verb in the relative clause, you need the accusative. Ask wen oder was? about that verb.
Is the relative pronoun the same as the article?
In the nominative and accusative, yes: the relative pronouns look exactly like the definite articles.
Where does the verb go?
At the end of the relative clause, because it is a subordinate clause.
Why is the pronoun feminine even though the clause is accusative?
Gender comes from the noun referred to; only the case comes from the clause. For feminine, neuter and plural, the nominative and accusative forms happen to look the same.
Would you like to practise this with guidance? Our B1 German course makes relative clauses feel natural.
