Language/Slovenian/Grammar/Complex-sentences-and-subordinations

Slovenian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Unit 5 - Intermediate Grammar and Communication → Complex sentences and subordinations

In this unit, we will delve into the intricacies of forming complex sentences in Slovenian. Complex sentences consist of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. Subordinate clauses provide additional information or add complexity to the main clause. We will explore various types of subordinate clauses, including relative and causative clauses, as well as the use of subordinate conjunctions such as if, when, and because. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of how to construct complex sentences in Slovenian.

Relative Clauses

Relative clauses are used to provide additional information about a noun in the main clause. In Slovenian, relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns, which agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they refer to. Let's look at some examples:

Relative Pronouns

Here are the most common relative pronouns in Slovenian:

Slovenian	Pronunciation	English Translation
ki	ki	who, which, that
kar	kar	what, which
kamor	kamor	where
od kod	od kod	from where

Examples

1. To je oseba, **ki** mi je pomagala. (This is the person **who** helped me.) 2. To je knjiga, **ki** sem jo prebral. (This is the book **that** I read.) 3. To je stvar, **ki** sem jo kupil. (This is the thing **that** I bought.) 4. To je kraj, **kamor** sem šel na dopust. (This is the place **where** I went on vacation.) 5. To je kraj, **od kod** sem prišel. (This is the place **where** I came from.)

In these examples, the relative pronouns "ki," "kar," "kamor," and "od kod" introduce the relative clauses and provide additional information about the nouns in the main clauses. Notice how the relative pronouns agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they refer to.

Causative Clauses

Causative clauses are used to indicate the cause or reason behind an action or event in the main clause. In Slovenian, causative clauses are introduced by the conjunction "ker" (because) or "zato ker" (because). Let's see some examples:

Examples

1. Ne morem priti, **ker** sem zelo zaposlen. (I can't come **because** I'm very busy.) 2. Nisem šel na zabavo, **ker** sem bil bolan. (I didn't go to the party **because** I was sick.) 3. Ne morem iti na potovanje, **ker** nimam denarja. (I can't go on a trip **because** I don't have money.) 4. Prišel sem **zato ker** sem te pogrešal. (I came **because** I missed you.) 5. Nisem kupil tega avtomobila **zato ker** ni bil v dobrem stanju. (I didn't buy that car **because** it wasn't in good condition.)

In these examples, the conjunctions "ker" and "zato ker" introduce the causative clauses and provide the cause or reason behind the actions or events in the main clauses.

Subordinate Conjunctions

Subordinate conjunctions are used to introduce subordinate clauses and establish a relationship between the main clause and the subordinate clause. Let's explore some common subordinate conjunctions in Slovenian:

Subordinate Conjunctions

Here are some commonly used subordinate conjunctions in Slovenian:

• če (if)
• ko (when)
• ker (because)
• čeprav (although)
• kadar (whenever)
• dokler (until)
• če že (even if)
• čeprav je (even though)
• tako da (so that)

Examples

1. Če prideš na zabavo, prinesi s seboj nekaj hrane. (If you come to the party, bring some food with you.) 2. Ko sem bil v Ljubljani, sem obiskal staro prijateljico. (When I was in Ljubljana, I visited an old friend.) 3. Ker je bil deževen dan, smo ostali doma. (Because it was a rainy day, we stayed at home.) 4. Čeprav je bil zelo utrujen, je šel na tekmo. (Although he was very tired, he went to the match.) 5. Kadar se srečava, se vedno pogovarjava o knjigah. (Whenever we meet, we always talk about books.)

In these examples, the subordinate conjunctions "če," "ko," "ker," "čeprav," and "kadar" introduce the subordinate clauses and establish a relationship with the main clauses.

Cultural Insights

In Slovenian culture, the use of complex sentences and subordinations is highly valued as it allows for more precise and nuanced communication. Slovenians appreciate clarity and specificity in their language, and the use of complex sentences helps to convey complex ideas and thoughts.

Historically, Slovenian has been influenced by neighboring languages such as German, Italian, and Hungarian. This has resulted in a rich and diverse linguistic landscape, with different regional variations in the usage and understanding of complex sentences. For example, in some regions, the use of relative clauses may be more prevalent, while in others, causative clauses may be favored. This regional variation adds depth and complexity to the language, reflecting the cultural diversity of Slovenia.

Interesting fact: Slovenian is known for its extensive use of diminutives, which are formed by adding suffixes to nouns, adjectives, and even verbs. The use of diminutives adds a sense of familiarity, affection, and warmth to the language. It is not uncommon to hear Slovenians using diminutives in everyday conversation, as they contribute to the overall charm and friendliness of the language.

Exercises

Now it's time to practice what you've learned! Here are some exercises to help you reinforce your understanding of complex sentences and subordinations in Slovenian. Try to complete each exercise to the best of your ability, and then check your answers below.

Exercise 1: Relative Clauses Complete the sentences with the appropriate relative pronouns.

1. To je oseba, **ki** _______ je pomagala. 2. To je knjiga, **ki** _______ sem prebral. 3. To je stvar, **ki** _______ sem kupil. 4. To je kraj, **kamor** _______ sem šel na dopust. 5. To je kraj, **od kod** _______ sem prišel.

Exercise 2: Causative Clauses Rewrite the sentences using the conjunctions "ker" or "zato ker."

1. Ne morem priti, **saj** sem zelo zaposlen. 2. Nisem šel na zabavo, **saj** sem bil bolan. 3. Ne morem iti na potovanje, **saj** nimam denarja. 4. Prišel sem **saj** sem te pogrešal. 5. Nisem kupil tega avtomobila **saj** ni bil v dobrem stanju.

Exercise 3: Subordinate Conjunctions Choose the correct subordinate conjunction to complete each sentence.

1. _______ prideš na zabavo, prinesi s seboj nekaj hrane. 2. _______ sem bil v Ljubljani, sem obiskal staro prijateljico. 3. _______ je bil deževen dan, smo ostali doma. 4. _______ je bil zelo utrujen, je šel na tekmo. 5. _______ se srečava, se vedno pogovarjava o knjigah.

Answers:

Exercise 1: Relative Clauses 1. To je oseba, **ki** mi je pomagala. 2. To je knjiga, **ki** sem jo prebral. 3. To je stvar, **ki** sem jo kupil. 4. To je kraj, **kamor** sem šel na dopust. 5. To je kraj, **od kod** sem prišel.

Exercise 2: Causative Clauses 1. Ne morem priti, **ker** sem zelo zaposlen. 2. Nisem šel na zabavo, **ker** sem bil bolan. 3. Ne morem iti na potovanje, **ker** nimam denarja. 4. Prišel sem **zato ker** sem te pogrešal. 5. Nisem kupil tega avtomobila **zato ker** ni bil v dobrem stanju.

Exercise 3: Subordinate Conjunctions 1. Če prideš na zabavo, prinesi s seboj nekaj hrane. 2. Ko sem bil v Ljubljani, sem obiskal staro prijateljico. 3. Ker je bil deževen dan, smo ostali doma. 4. Čeprav je bil zelo utrujen, je šel na tekmo. 5. Kadar se srečava, se vedno pogovarjava o knjigah.

Congratulations on completing the exercises! You are well on your way to mastering complex sentences and subordinations in Slovenian.

Table of Contents - Slovenian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

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Nouns and Pronouns

• Singular and Plural Nouns
• Personal Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

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Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time
• Days of the Week

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Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

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Food and Drink

• Common Foods
• Eating Out

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Agreement
• Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
• Adverbs

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

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Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

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Hobbies and Free Time

• Common Hobbies
• Talking about Free Time

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Slovenian Customs and Traditions

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Food and Drink

Sources

• Natural Syntax of Slovenian: The Complex Sentence

Other Lessons

• Nouns, articles and gender
• Pronouns
• 0 to A1 Course
• Adjectives
• Conjugation of verbs in the present tense
• Pronouns and their use
• Gender
• How to Use Have
• Adverbs and prepositions
• Give your Opinion