Relativsätze mit wer
Free relative clauses with wer, wem and wen. This detailed lesson includes explanations, model sentences, common error guidance, written practice and a self-checking quiz. Work through the sections in order, then practise producing your own examples.
Estimated study time: 25–40 minutes · Level: B2 · German examples with English support
Learning objectives
Understand the rule
Identify the structure, meaning and typical word order for this B2 grammar topic.
Use it accurately
Notice verb position, case, endings, punctuation and the relationship between clauses.
Produce original examples
Adapt the model sentences to your own study, work and everyday situations.
Check your learning
Complete the practice tasks and quiz. Review the explanations for any answer you miss.
1. Meaning and structure
Wer can mean “whoever” or “anyone who” in a free relative clause. Unlike a normal relative clause, it does not need a noun directly before it: “Wer regelmäßig übt, macht Fortschritte.”
The case of wer changes with its role inside the clause: wer (nominative), wen (accusative), wem (dative). The form is determined by the function in its own clause.
2. Correlative main clause
A common pattern is “Wer …, der …”; “Wem …, dem …”; “Wen …, den …”. The demonstrative in the main clause reflects the person and grammatical relationship.
Example: “Wem du vertraust, dem kannst du dich anvertrauen.” The first clause establishes the person; the second continues the statement.
3. Verb position and punctuation
The finite verb stands at the end of the free relative clause: “Wer zu spät kommt, muss draußen warten.” A comma separates the subordinate/free relative clause from the main clause.
Do not confuse wer as a question word (“Wer kommt?”) with wer introducing a free relative clause (“Wer viel liest, erweitert seinen Wortschatz.”).
Model examples and close reading
Read the German sentence first, identify the target structure, then compare the English meaning and note the reason for the form.
Wer is the nominative subject of liest.
Wem is dative because helfen takes the dative.
Einladen takes the accusative, so wen is used.
Use a comma after the introductory clause.
Practice exercises
Write a complete German answer in each field. The checker compares your answer with a model solution and ignores differences in capitalisation and extra spaces. Alternative wording may be correct even if it is not recognised automatically; compare it with the model and explanation.
Study tip: after checking, cover the model and write the sentence again from memory. Then create one new example of your own.
Knowledge check: interactive quiz
Choose one answer for each question, then select “Check quiz” to see your score and explanations.
1. Which form is nominative?
2. Which verb typically takes the dative and fits “___ du hilfst”?
3. Choose the correct sentence.
4. Complete the pair: Wem du vertraust, ___ kannst du dich anvertrauen.
5. In “Wer zu spät kommt, muss warten”, where is the finite verb of the wer-clause?
Independent production task
Writing challenge: Write a short paragraph of 80–120 words about learning, work, travel or a social issue. Use this lesson’s grammar structure at least three times. Underline the target forms and check the sentence structure, punctuation and meaning.
Speaking challenge: Explain the same topic aloud for one minute. Record yourself if possible, then note one accurate sentence and one sentence you want to improve.
Self-assessment checklist
- I can explain the purpose of this structure in my own words.
- I can recognise it in a written German text.
- I can form at least three original examples.
- I checked word order, case, endings and punctuation.
- I can correct at least one common error.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this lesson suitable for B2 learners?
It is designed as B2-level grammar practice. Learners may benefit from revising relevant A2/B1 structures before moving to more complex examples.
Are the exercises an official Goethe-Zertifikat test?
No. These are original practice materials for learning and revision, not official Goethe-Institut exam questions. Use them alongside the current official exam format and course materials.
Why does the quiz checker sometimes not accept my answer?
The automated checker uses model answers and a small set of accepted alternatives. German may allow other correct phrasings; compare your sentence with the rule and explanation rather than assuming every unrecognised answer is grammatically wrong.