Deutsch · B2 · grammar · 4 minutes
Relative clauses with prepositions
Place the required preposition before the relative pronoun and calculate its case inside the clause.
Understand the choice
Advanced relative forms remain systematic if the original complement is rebuilt first. Über das Verfahren becomes über das; mit der Methode becomes mit der; von den Ergebnissen becomes von denen.
Core rule: A governing preposition precedes the relative pronoun; gender/number follows the antecedent and case follows that preposition.
Notice it in context
Das Verfahren, über das wir gesprochen haben, wird geändert.
The procedure we spoke about is being changed.
Über requires accusative; neuter Verfahren supplies das; the relative finite haben is final.
Die Methode, mit der wir arbeiten, ist zuverlässig.
The method we work with is reliable.
Mit requires dative; feminine Methode selects der.
Die Ergebnisse, von denen der Bericht ausgeht, sind vorläufig.
The results on which the report is based are preliminary.
Von takes dative plural denen; ausgeht closes the relative clause.
What to remember
- For people, preposition + relative pronoun works the same: die Person, mit der….
- Wo is accepted for broad places or abstract contexts but should not replace every prepositional relative.
Common trap: Do not choose the relative case from the main verb. Rebuild the prepositional phrase inside the relative clause.