How to Say “That” in German: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding how to translate the English word “that” into German is crucial for mastering the language. “That” can take on several different meanings and grammatical functions, each requiring a distinct German equivalent.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating these nuances, covering demonstrative pronouns, relative pronouns, conjunctions, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice to use “that” correctly in German.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of “That” in English and German
3. Structural Breakdown
4. Types and Categories of “That” in German
   • Demonstrative Pronouns
   • Relative Pronouns
   • Conjunctions
   • Adverbial Usage
5. Examples of “That” in German
   • Demonstrative Pronoun Examples
   • Relative Pronoun Examples
   • Conjunction Examples
   • Adverbial Usage Examples
6. Usage Rules
7. Common Mistakes
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
10. FAQ
11. Conclusion

Introduction

The English word “that” is deceptively simple. Its versatility allows it to function as a demonstrative pronoun, a relative pronoun, and a conjunction, each with distinct meanings and grammatical roles.

When translating into German, this versatility requires careful consideration. Choosing the correct German equivalent of “that” is essential for clear and accurate communication.

This article will explore the different ways “that” is used in English and provide the corresponding German translations, complete with examples and explanations. By understanding these distinctions, you can significantly improve your German grammar and comprehension skills.

Definition of “That” in English and German

In English, “that” is a multifaceted word with several grammatical functions:

• Demonstrative Pronoun: Refers to a specific thing or person, often at a distance or already mentioned. Example: “That is my car.”
• Relative Pronoun: Introduces a relative clause, providing additional information about a noun. Example: “The book that I read was interesting.”
• Conjunction: Connects clauses, often indicating cause, purpose, or result. Example: “I know that he is coming.”

In German, each of these functions is expressed with different words:

• Demonstrative Pronoun: Typically translated as “das,” “dieser/diese/dieses,” or “jener/jene/jenes,” depending on the context and desired emphasis.
• Relative Pronoun: Translated as “der,” “die,” or “das,” which change according to the gender, number, and case of the noun they refer to.
• Conjunction: Translated as “dass.”

Understanding these core distinctions is the foundation for accurately translating and using “that” in German. The following sections will delve deeper into each of these categories.

Structural Breakdown

The German equivalents of “that” are determined by the grammatical structure of the sentence. Here’s a breakdown:

• Demonstrative Pronouns: These stand alone and replace a noun. They must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they replace or modify. The choice between “das,” “dieser/diese/dieses,” and “jener/jene/jenes” depends on proximity and emphasis. “Das” is the most general, while “dieser/diese/dieses” indicates closer proximity and “jener/jene/jenes” indicates greater distance.
• Relative Pronouns: These introduce relative clauses, which provide extra information about a noun in the main clause. The relative pronoun’s form (“der,” “die,” “das,” “dessen,” “deren,” “dem,” “den”) is determined by the gender and number of the noun it refers to (the antecedent) and the case it takes within the relative clause. The case is determined by the verb and prepositions in the relative clause.
• Conjunction “dass”: This introduces a subordinate clause, often a noun clause functioning as the object of a verb. The word order in the subordinate clause is verb-final. The conjunction “dass” doesn’t change its form.

Types and Categories of “That” in German

Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns point out specific nouns. In German, the equivalents of “that” as a demonstrative pronoun include “das,” “dieser/diese/dieses,” and “jener/jene/jenes.”

• Das: Can mean “that” or “this” in a general sense. It is neuter singular and nominative or accusative case.
• Dieser/Diese/Dieses: Means “this” or “that” and emphasizes proximity. They decline according to gender, number, and case.
• Jener/Jene/Jenes: Means “that” and emphasizes distance or something previously mentioned. They also decline.

Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns introduce relative clauses, which provide additional information about a noun. The German relative pronouns that can translate “that” are “der,” “die,” and “das,” along with their declined forms.

The correct form depends on the gender and number of the noun it refers to (the antecedent) and the case it takes within the relative clause. For example:

• Der: Masculine singular, nominative case.
• Die: Feminine singular, nominative case; also plural, nominative and accusative.
• Das: Neuter singular, nominative and accusative case.
• Den: Masculine singular, accusative case; also plural dative case.
• Dem: Masculine and neuter singular, dative case.
• Dessen: Masculine and neuter singular, genitive case.
• Deren: Feminine singular and plural, genitive case.

Conjunctions

The conjunction “dass” translates to “that” and introduces subordinate clauses, often noun clauses functioning as subjects or objects. The verb is placed at the end of the clause.

Example: I know that he is coming. – Ich weiß, dass er kommt.

Adverbial Usage

Sometimes, “that” can be used adverbially to indicate degree or extent. In these cases, German might use other constructions, such as “so,” “dermaßen,” or phrases like “in dem Maße.”

Example: I didn’t think it was that difficult. – Ich fand es nicht so schwierig.

Examples of “That” in German

Demonstrative Pronoun Examples

The following table provides examples of “that” as a demonstrative pronoun in English and its corresponding German translation, using “das,” “dieser/diese/dieses,” and “jener/jene/jenes.”

English	German
That is my car.	Das ist mein Auto.
That over there is my house.	Jenes dort ist mein Haus.
I prefer this book to that one.	Ich bevorzuge dieses Buch gegenüber jenem.
That’s a good idea!	Das ist eine gute Idee!
Is that what you meant?	Ist das, was du gemeint hast?
That’s impossible!	Das ist unmöglich!
That’s exactly what I need.	Das ist genau das, was ich brauche.
That one is better.	Der da ist besser (masculine) / Die da ist besser (feminine) / Das da ist besser (neuter).
That’s the reason.	Das ist der Grund.
That’s not true.	Das ist nicht wahr.
That was a great movie.	Das war ein toller Film.
That’s her problem.	Das ist ihr Problem.
That’s all, folks!	Das ist alles, Leute!
I want that one!	Ich will das!
That’s my favorite.	Das ist mein Favorit.
That sounds good.	Das klingt gut.
That’s a lie!	Das ist eine Lüge!
That’s the end.	Das ist das Ende.
That’s enough.	Das reicht.
That’s the way it is.	So ist das nun mal.
That’s the question.	Das ist die Frage.
That’s what I’m talking about!	Das ist es, worüber ich rede!
That’s his car over there.	Jenes Auto dort ist seins.
That one is broken.	Dieser / Jener ist kaputt.

Relative Pronoun Examples

This table illustrates the use of “that” as a relative pronoun and its translation using “der,” “die,” and “das” in their various declined forms. Note how the relative pronoun’s form changes based on the gender, number, and case of the antecedent and its function within the relative clause.

English	German
The book that I read was interesting.	Das Buch, das ich gelesen habe, war interessant.
The man that helped me was very kind.	Der Mann, der mir geholfen hat, war sehr freundlich.
The woman that I saw is my sister.	Die Frau, die ich gesehen habe, ist meine Schwester.
The car that is parked outside is mine.	Das Auto, das draußen parkt, gehört mir.
The students that study hard will succeed.	Die Studenten, die fleißig lernen, werden Erfolg haben.
The house that he bought is very old.	Das Haus, das er gekauft hat, ist sehr alt.
The movie that we watched was boring.	Der Film, den wir gesehen haben, war langweilig.
The woman whose car was stolen is very upset.	Die Frau, deren Auto gestohlen wurde, ist sehr verärgert.
The man to whom I spoke is the manager.	Der Mann, dem ich gesprochen habe, ist der Manager.
The city that I live in is very beautiful.	Die Stadt, in der ich wohne, ist sehr schön.
The problem that we are facing is complex.	Das Problem, vor dem wir stehen, ist komplex.
The song that she sang was beautiful.	Das Lied, das sie gesungen hat, war wunderschön.
The person that I met yesterday was friendly.	Die Person, die ich gestern getroffen habe, war freundlich.
The computer that I bought is very fast.	Der Computer, den ich gekauft habe, ist sehr schnell.
The flowers that she planted are blooming.	Die Blumen, die sie gepflanzt hat, blühen.
The job that he applied for is demanding.	Die Stelle, für die er sich beworben hat, ist anspruchsvoll.
The book, the cover of which is red, is mine.	Das Buch, dessen Umschlag rot ist, gehört mir.
The people, the children of whom are sick, are worried.	Die Leute, deren Kinder krank sind, sind besorgt.
The company that I work for is growing.	Die Firma, für die ich arbeite, wächst.
The project that we are working on is important.	Das Projekt, an dem wir arbeiten, ist wichtig.
The movie, the ending of which was surprising, was great.	Der Film, dessen Ende überraschend war, war toll.
The student who learns diligently will succeed.	Der Student, der fleißig lernt, wird Erfolg haben.
The car, the tires of which are new, is fast.	Das Auto, dessen Reifen neu sind, ist schnell.

Conjunction Examples

The following table shows how “that” is used as a conjunction in English and how it’s translated using “dass” in German. Notice the verb-final word order in the subordinate clause introduced by “dass.”

English	German
I know that he is coming.	Ich weiß, dass er kommt.
She said that she was tired.	Sie sagte, dass sie müde ist.
He thinks that it is a good idea.	Er denkt, dass es eine gute Idee ist.
We believe that it is important.	Wir glauben, dass es wichtig ist.
They hope that they will win.	Sie hoffen, dass sie gewinnen werden.
I heard that you are moving.	Ich habe gehört, dass du umziehst.
She understands that it is difficult.	Sie versteht, dass es schwierig ist.
He admitted that he was wrong.	Er hat zugegeben, dass er falsch lag.
We noticed that she was sad.	Wir haben bemerkt, dass sie traurig war.
They suspect that he is lying.	Sie vermuten, dass er lügt.
I am happy that you are here.	Ich bin froh, dass du hier bist.
It is important that you arrive on time.	Es ist wichtig, dass du pünktlich ankommst.
She is worried that she will fail.	Sie ist besorgt, dass sie durchfallen wird.
He is convinced that he is right.	Er ist überzeugt, dass er Recht hat.
We are sure that they will come.	Wir sind sicher, dass sie kommen werden.
I am surprised that you didn’t know.	Ich bin überrascht, dass du es nicht wusstest.
She is glad that it is over.	Sie ist froh, dass es vorbei ist.
He is afraid that he will lose.	Er hat Angst, dass er verlieren wird.
We are excited that we are going on vacation.	Wir freuen uns, dass wir in Urlaub fahren.
They are disappointed that they didn’t win.	Sie sind enttäuscht, dass sie nicht gewonnen haben.

Adverbial Usage Examples

This table provides examples of “that” used adverbially in English and the corresponding German translations, often using “so” or other constructions.

English	German
I didn’t think it was that difficult.	Ich fand es nicht so schwierig.
It wasn’t that bad.	Es war nicht so schlimm.
I didn’t know he was that rich.	Ich wusste nicht, dass er so reich ist.
She is not that tall.	Sie ist nicht so groß.
The movie wasn’t that interesting.	Der Film war nicht so interessant.
He is not that smart.	Er ist nicht so schlau.
The food wasn’t that good.	Das Essen war nicht so gut.
It’s not that simple.	Es ist nicht so einfach.
I didn’t expect it to be that expensive.	Ich hatte nicht erwartet, dass es so teuer ist.
She didn’t think it was that important.	Sie dachte nicht, dass es so wichtig ist.
He is not that old.	Er ist nicht so alt.
The weather isn’t that bad today.	Das Wetter ist heute nicht so schlecht.

Usage Rules

Using “that” correctly in German involves understanding the specific function it serves in the English sentence and then selecting the appropriate German equivalent based on grammatical rules:

• Demonstrative Pronouns: Choose “das,” “dieser/diese/dieses,” or “jener/jene/jenes” based on proximity and emphasis. Remember to decline “dieser/diese/dieses” and “jener/jene/jenes” according to gender, number, and case.
• Relative Pronouns: Select the correct form of “der,” “die,” or “das” based on the gender and number of the antecedent and the case required by the relative clause. This requires careful analysis of the relative clause’s structure.
• Conjunction “dass”: Use “dass” to introduce subordinate clauses and remember to place the verb at the end of the clause.
• Adverbial Usage: When “that” indicates degree or extent, use constructions like “so,” “dermaßen,” or “in dem Maße,” depending on the context.

A key point to remember is that German grammar relies heavily on case marking. Therefore, paying attention to the case of nouns and pronouns is crucial for accurate translation and usage.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes learners make when translating “that” into German:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
I know der he is coming.	Ich weiß, dass er kommt.	Using a relative pronoun instead of the conjunction “dass.”
Das is the man who helped me.	Der Mann, der mir geholfen hat, ist es.	Using a demonstrative pronoun instead of a relative pronoun. A more natural translation doesn’t use “das ist es.”
I like that one, der is red.	Ich mag den, der rot ist.	Incorrect word order and using a nominative relative pronoun when accusative is needed.
She said das she is tired.	Sie sagte, dass sie müde ist.	Incorrect spelling of the conjunction “dass.”
Das is good idea.	Das ist eine gute Idee.	Forgetting to include the verb “ist”.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of “that” in German with these exercises. Translate the following sentences into German, paying attention to the context and grammatical function of “that.”

1. The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting.
2. I heard that you are going on vacation.
3. That is my favorite restaurant.
4. The man that lives next door is a doctor.
5. She knows that he is telling the truth.
6. That car is very expensive.
7. The movie that we watched last night was boring.
8. He thinks that she is beautiful.
9. That is the best coffee I have ever had.
10. The woman that I met at the party is very nice.

Answer Key:

1. Das Buch, das ich aus der Bibliothek ausgeliehen habe, ist sehr interessant.
2. Ich habe gehört, dass du in Urlaub fährst.
3. Das ist mein Lieblingsrestaurant.
4. Der Mann, der nebenan wohnt, ist Arzt.
5. Sie weiß, dass er die Wahrheit sagt.
6. Dieses/Jenes Auto ist sehr teuer. / Das Auto ist sehr teuer.
7. Der Film, den wir gestern Abend gesehen haben, war langweilig.
8. Er denkt, dass sie schön ist.
9. Das ist der beste Kaffee, den ich je getrunken habe.
10. Die Frau, die ich auf der Party getroffen habe, ist sehr nett.

More Exercises: Choose the correct German translation for the sentence.

1. That is my dog.
   • a) Der ist mein Hund.
   • b) Das ist mein Hund.
   • c) Die ist mein Hund.
2. The house that I bought is big.
   • a) Das Haus, dass ich gekauft habe, ist groß.
   • b) Das Haus, das ich gekauft habe, ist groß.
   • c) Das Haus, der ich gekauft habe, ist groß.
3. I know that she is a good student.
   • a) Ich weiß, das sie eine gute Studentin ist.
   • b) Ich weiß, dass sie eine gute Studentin ist.
   • c) Ich weiß, der sie eine gute Studentin ist.
4. That is the reason why I am here.
   • a) Das ist die Grund, warum ich hier bin.
   • b) Das ist der Grund, warum ich hier bin.
   • c) Das ist das Grund, warum ich hier bin.
5. The person that helped me was kind.
   • a) Die Person, der mir geholfen hat, war freundlich.
   • b) Die Person, die mir geholfen hat, war freundlich.
   • c) Die Person, dem mir geholfen hat, war freundlich.
6. That over there is my car.
   • a) Dieses dort ist mein Auto.
   • b) Jenes dort ist mein Auto.
   • c) Das dort ist mein Auto.
7. I heard that he is sick.
   • a) Ich habe gehört, dass er krank ist.
   • b) Ich habe gehört, das er krank ist.
   • c) Ich habe gehört, dem er krank ist.
8. The book, the author of which is famous, is interesting.
   • a) Das Buch, dessen Autor berühmt ist, ist interessant.
   • b) Das Buch, deren Autor berühmt ist, ist interessant.
   • c) Das Buch, dem Autor berühmt ist, ist interessant.
9. That is her bag.
   • a) Der ist ihre Tasche.
   • b) Das ist ihre Tasche.
   • c) Die ist ihre Tasche.
10. The city that I live in is beautiful.
    • a) Die Stadt, das ich wohne, ist schön.
    • b) Die Stadt, in der ich wohne, ist schön.
    • c) Die Stadt, dem ich wohne, ist schön.

Answer Key:

1. b) Das ist mein Hund.
2. b) Das Haus, das ich gekauft habe, ist groß.
3. b) Ich weiß, dass sie eine gute Studentin ist.
4. b) Das ist der Grund, warum ich hier bin.
5. b) Die Person, die mir geholfen hat, war freundlich.
6. b) Jenes dort ist mein Auto.
7. a) Ich habe gehört, dass er krank ist.
8. a) Das Buch, dessen Autor berühmt ist, ist interessant.
9. b) Das ist ihre Tasche.
10. b) Die Stadt, in der ich wohne, ist schön.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, consider these complex aspects:

• Subjunctive Mood (Konjunktiv): When reporting indirect speech, the subjunctive mood might be used in the “dass” clause. For example, instead of “Er sagte, dass er kommt” (He said that he is coming), you might say “Er sagte, dass er komme” (He said that he was coming – subjunctive).
• Correlative Conjunctions: Sometimes, “that” is part of a correlative conjunction (e.g., “so…that”). In German, this might be expressed as “so…dass” or other equivalent structures.
• Nuances in Demonstrative Pronoun Usage: The choice between “dieser/diese/dieses” and “jener/jene/jenes” can be subtle and depend on context and speaker intention. Pay attention to how native speakers use these forms.

FAQ

1. How do I choose between “das,” “dieser/diese/dieses,” and “jener/jene/jenes” as demonstrative pronouns?

   “Das” is the most general and can refer to something previously mentioned or something obvious in the context. “Dieser/diese/dieses” emphasizes proximity (this/these) or something closer to the speaker, while “jener/jene/jenes” emphasizes distance (that/those) or something further away or previously mentioned but not immediately present.

2. How do I determine the correct case for relative pronouns?

   The case of the relative pronoun is determined by its function within the relative clause. Identify the verb in the relative clause and any prepositions that govern the noun the relative pronoun refers to. For example, if the relative pronoun is the subject of the verb, it will be in the nominative case. If it’s the direct object, it will be in the accusative case. If it follows a preposition that requires a specific case, it will be in that case.

3. What is the word order in a “dass” clause?

   In a “dass” clause, the verb is placed at the end of the clause. This is a characteristic feature of subordinate clauses in German.

4. Can I omit “dass” in German?

   In informal speech, it is sometimes possible to omit “dass,” similar to omitting “that” in English. However, it is generally better to include “dass” in formal writing and speech to maintain grammatical correctness.

5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when using “that” in German?

   Common mistakes include confusing demonstrative and relative pronouns, using the wrong case for relative pronouns, misspelling “dass,” and forgetting the verb-final word order in “dass” clauses.

6. How does the gender and number of the antecedent affect the choice of relative pronoun?

   The gender and number of the antecedent (the noun the relative pronoun refers to) determine the base form of the relative pronoun (“der,” “die,” “das”). Then, the case required by the relative clause determines the final form of the pronoun.

7. What is the genitive case used for with relative pronouns?

   The genitive case (dessen, deren) with relative pronouns indicates possession or belonging. For example, “The man whose car was stolen” would be “Der Mann, dessen Auto gestohlen wurde.”

8. Are there any regional differences in how “that” is translated or used in German?

   While the core grammar rules remain consistent across German-speaking regions, there might be slight variations in colloquial expressions or preferred phrasing. However, the translations and rules outlined in this guide are generally applicable and widely understood.

Conclusion

Mastering the translation of “that” into German requires a thorough understanding of its various grammatical functions and the corresponding German equivalents. By differentiating between demonstrative pronouns, relative pronouns, and conjunctions, you can select the appropriate German translation and construct grammatically correct sentences.

Remember to pay close attention to case marking, word order, and the nuances of demonstrative pronoun usage. Consistent practice and exposure to authentic German materials will further solidify your understanding and improve your fluency.