Subordinate Clauses — Czech Grammar

A Czech subordinate clause is always separated from the main clause by a comma, and the comma is compulsory in a way English commas are not. The clause keeps ordinary word order: the conjunction comes first and everything else follows as it would in a plain sentence.

Myslím, že má pravdu.
I think he's right.
Nevím, kde to je.
I don't know where it is.

že - that

introduces a reported statement, thought or hope. Unlike English that, it can never be left out.

Věřím, že Země je kulatá.
I believe the Earth is round.
Doufám, že se brzy budete cítit lépe.
I hope you'll feel better soon.

když - when

covers when and, with a future verb, shades into if. For a future event Czech prefers , which is purely temporal and never conditional.

Když se učím, jsem unavená.
When I study, I get tired.
Až dorazím, pošlu ti pohlednici.
When I arrive, I'll send you a postcard.

The Future Appears Twice

Where English puts a present tense after when or until, Czech puts a future. If the event has not happened yet, the verb says so, in both halves of the sentence.

Až letadlo přistane, vzbudím tě.
When the plane lands, I'll wake you.

dokud - until

This one has a trap. After meaning until, the verb is negative, though nothing is being denied. The negative is simply part of the construction and has no English counterpart.

Musím jezdit na kole, dokud si nekoupím auto.
I have to cycle until I buy a car.
Nemůžu řídit, dokud nezískám průkaz.
I can't drive until I get a licence.

protože and i když

gives the reason; concedes a point.

Potřebuji auto, protože musím dojíždět.
I need a car because I have to commute.
Nemůžu si koupit auto, i když mám peníze.
I can't buy a car even though I have money.

Where the Clause Stands

A subordinate clause may follow the main clause or precede it. Coming first, it is still marked off by a comma, and the main clause then begins immediately after.

Když se zeptáš, dostaneš odpověď.
If you ask, you'll get an answer.
Jestli budeš chtít, půjdeme.
If you want, we will go.

The Comma Is Not Optional

English decides commas by feel; Czech decides them by grammar. Every subordinate clause is fenced off with one, and a clause in the middle of a sentence takes a comma at both ends.

Volám, abych vám oznámila, že dnes nepřijdu.
I'm calling to tell you I won't come today.

Indirect Questions

A question inside another sentence keeps its question word and its ordinary word order, and takes a comma. There is no change of tense of the English backshift kind.

Nevím, kam jsem je dala.
I don't know where I put them.

In the course

Sentences from Lingora’s Czech course

34 of the course's 500 sentences use this, the first in lesson 65. A few of them, with the words “Subordinate Clauses” is about in bold:

Jsi vtipná. Myslím, že jsi vtipná.
You are funny. I think you are funny.
Lesson 169
Musím jezdit na kole, dokud si nekoupím nové auto.
I have to ride my bike until I get a new car.
Lesson 301
Můj první dojem je, že je velmi inteligentní.
My first impression is that she is very smart.
Lesson 333

Comments

Loading comments…