Language/Hungarian/Grammar/Complex-sentence-structures

Hungarian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Advanced Hungarian grammar → Complex sentence structures

Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on complex sentence structures in Hungarian! In this lesson, we will delve into the intricacies of subordination and coordination, allowing you to take your Hungarian language skills to the next level. Complex sentence structures are essential for expressing more nuanced ideas and creating sophisticated sentences. By mastering this aspect of Hungarian grammar, you will gain the ability to convey complex thoughts and engage in deeper conversations.

Throughout this lesson, we will explore various subordination and coordination techniques, providing numerous examples to illustrate each point. We will also discuss any regional variations in the usage or understanding of complex sentence structures, offering interesting cultural facts and anecdotes along the way. To ensure a comprehensive learning experience, we have prepared a series of exercises for you to practice what you have learned. These exercises will help solidify your understanding and enable you to use complex sentence structures confidently in your own speech and writing.

So, let's dive into the fascinating world of complex sentence structures in Hungarian! Get ready to expand your linguistic horizons and unlock new possibilities for expression.

Subordination Techniques

Subordinating Conjunctions

In Hungarian, subordination is often achieved through the use of subordinating conjunctions. These conjunctions introduce subordinate clauses, which provide additional information or context to the main clause. Let's take a look at some commonly used subordinating conjunctions in Hungarian:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English Translation
amikor	['ɒmikor]	when
hogy	['hodʒ]	that
mivel	['mivɛl]	since, because
amíg	['ɒmiːg]	while, as long as
miután	['miutɑːn]	after
mert	['mɛrt]	because
ha	['hɑ]	if
amennyiben	['ɒmɛɲibɛn]	provided that
valamint	['vɑlɑmint]	as well as
hogyha	['hodʒhɑ]	if

These subordinating conjunctions can be used to create complex sentences by connecting the main clause (the independent clause) with the subordinate clause (the dependent clause). The subordinate clause provides additional information that is related to the main clause, and it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Let's see these subordinating conjunctions in action:

• Péter elment a boltba, hogy vegyen egy üveg bort. (Peter went to the store to buy a bottle of wine.)
• Amikor megláttam a virágot, boldoggá váltam. (When I saw the flower, I became happy.)
• Ha esik az eső, akkor otthon maradunk. (If it rains, then we stay at home.)

As you can see, these subordinating conjunctions add depth and complexity to the sentences, allowing for more nuanced communication.

Relative Clauses

Another common subordination technique in Hungarian is the use of relative clauses. Relative clauses provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. These clauses are often introduced by relative pronouns, such as "aki" (who), "ami" (which), or "amelyik" (which).

Let's take a look at some examples:

• Az a férfi, aki a könyvet olvassa, az én barátom. (The man who is reading the book is my friend.)
• Az az autó, amelyik a parkolóban áll, a tied? (Is that car, which is parked in the parking lot, yours?)
• Azt a könyvet vettem meg, amit a tanár ajánlott. (I bought that book which the teacher recommended.)

In these examples, the relative clauses provide additional information about the nouns "férfi" (man), "autó" (car), and "könyv" (book). The relative pronouns "aki," "amelyik," and "amit" introduce these clauses, connecting them to the main clause.

Adverbial Clauses

Adverbial clauses, as the name suggests, function as adverbs in a sentence. They provide information about the time, place, manner, or condition of the action in the main clause. Adverbial clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions, such as "amikor" (when), "miután" (after), or "ha" (if).

Let's see some examples:

• Amikor hazamentem, már sötét volt. (When I went home, it was already dark.)
• Ha jól tanulsz, jó jegyet kapsz. (If you study well, you will get a good grade.)
• Miután megettem a vacsorát, elmentem aludni. (After I finished dinner, I went to sleep.)

In these examples, the adverbial clauses modify the verb in the main clause, providing additional information about the circumstances or conditions surrounding the action.

Coordination Techniques

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordination in Hungarian involves connecting two or more equal elements, such as words, phrases, or clauses, using coordinating conjunctions. These conjunctions link the elements together, indicating that they have equal importance or contribute to the same idea.

Here are some commonly used coordinating conjunctions in Hungarian:

Hungarian	Pronunciation	English Translation
és	[eːʃ]	and
vagy	['vɑɟ]	or
de	[dɛ]	but
tehát	['tɛhaːt]	so, therefore
viszont	['viʃont]	however
mert	['mɛrt]	because
sem	[ʃɛm]	neither, not even
mind	[mind]	both
vagy-vagy	['vɑɟvɑɟ]	either-or

Let's see how these coordinating conjunctions work in sentences:

• Szeretek olvasni és írni. (I like to read and write.)
• Vagy elmegyünk a moziba, vagy maradunk otthon. (Either we go to the movies or we stay at home.)
• Sokat dolgozom, de élvezem a munkámat. (I work a lot, but I enjoy my job.)

As you can see, coordinating conjunctions allow for the connection of two or more elements, facilitating the expression of complex ideas.

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect equal elements in a sentence. These pairs of conjunctions include both coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.

Here are some examples of correlative conjunctions in Hungarian:

• vagy-vagy (either-or)
• vagy-mert (either-because)
• sem-sem (neither-nor)
• mind-mind (both-and)

Let's see how these correlative conjunctions are used:

• Vagy elmegyünk a tóra, vagy mert esik, otthon maradunk. (Either we go to the lake, or because it's raining, we stay home.)
• Sem te, sem én nem tudtam a választ. (Neither you nor I knew the answer.)
• Mind az apa, mind az anya büszke a gyerekre. (Both the father and the mother are proud of the child.)

In these examples, the correlative conjunctions create a balanced and parallel structure, connecting equal elements in the sentence.

Cultural Insight

Hungarian culture places great importance on clear and precise communication. Complex sentence structures allow Hungarians to express their thoughts and ideas in a detailed and nuanced manner. As a result, Hungarian literature and poetry often feature elaborate sentence constructions, showcasing the richness and beauty of the language.

Hungary's history of linguistic diversity has also influenced the development of complex sentence structures. Throughout the centuries, Hungary has been home to various ethnic groups, each bringing their own linguistic traditions. As a result, Hungarian has absorbed and incorporated elements from neighboring languages, further enriching its grammar and vocabulary.

Exercises

Now it's time to put your knowledge of complex sentence structures into practice! Below are some exercises to help you reinforce what you have learned. Try to create complex sentences using the given prompts and subordination or coordination techniques.

1. Prompt: Use a subordinating conjunction to combine the following sentences: "Péter elment a boltba. Péter kenyeret vásárolt." (Peter went to the store. Peter bought bread.)

2. Prompt: Use a relative clause to provide additional information about the noun "kutya" (dog) in the following sentence: "Az a kutya ugat." (That dog is barking.)

3. Prompt: Combine the following sentences using a coordinating conjunction: "Szeretek úszni. Szeretek futni." (I like swimming. I like running.)

4. Prompt: Use a correlative conjunction to connect the following elements: "te" (you) and "én" (I).

Exercise Solutions

1. Péter elment a boltba, hogy kenyeret vásároljon. (Peter went to the store to buy bread.)

2. Az a kutya, amelyik ugat, zavaró. (That dog, which is barking, is annoying.)

3. Szeretek úszni és futni is. (I like both swimming and running.)

4. Sem te, sem én nem akarunk feladni. (Neither you nor I want to give up.)

Congratulations on completing the exercises! You are now more familiar with complex sentence structures in Hungarian.

Table of Contents - Hungarian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Pronouns and Verb Conjugation

• Personal Pronouns
• Present Tense Verb Conjugation

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

  ---

Questions and Negation

• Asking Questions
• Negation

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Descriptive Adjectives
• Adverbs of Time and Frequency

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods and Drinks
• Ordering at a Restaurant

  ---

Prepositions and Location

• Common Prepositions
• Expressing Location

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

  ---

Hungarian Customs and Traditions

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Foods

  ---

Possessive Pronouns and Plurals

• Possessive Pronouns
• Forming Plurals

  ---

Hobbies and Leisure Activities

• Common Hobbies
• Discussing Interests

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Hungarian History and Geography

• Important Historical Events
• Geography of Hungary

Sources

• Basic Hungarian Sentence Patterns You Can Use Right Away
• Processing relative clauses by Hungarian typically developing ...
• A Beginner's Guide to Basic Hungarian Grammar
• György Rákosi: Beyond identity: The case of a complex Hungarian ...

Other Lessons

• Pronunciation and accentuation
• Conditional Mood
• Conditional and subjunctive moods
• Plurals
• 0 to A1 Course
• Questions
• Possessor
• Pronouns and possessives
• Give your Opinion
• Cardinal Numbers