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GERMAN GRAMMAR · C2

Editing German sentences: agreement, pronoun reference and faithful shortening

Find the subject head rather than agreeing with the nearest noun. Clarify a pronoun only after establishing its intended referent. When shortening a statement, retain its source, certainty and quantity; removing those details can turn a cautious finding into a different claim.

Separate the main subject from inserted material

In Die Auswertung der Antworten, Auswertung is singular. The genitive plural Antworten does not control the main verb. Reading the main clause without its modifiers helps identify the agreement.

Die Auswertung der Antworten liegt vor.

The analysis of the replies is available.

Do not guess which person a pronoun denotes

Mila and her colleague can both be candidates for sie. Repeating the intended name is often clearer, even if it sounds heavier. Clarification must preserve the intended person rather than choose whichever noun is nearest.

Vor Milas Abreise sprach sie mit der Kollegin.

Before Mila’s departure, she spoke with the colleague.

Keep qualification when cutting words

Laut Leitung könnten einige Termine entfallen still contains attribution, possibility and a restricted quantity. Die Termine entfallen loses those limits. A polished sentence can be less faithful than its longer original.

Laut Leitung könnten einige Termine entfallen.

According to management, some appointments might be cancelled.

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References

Original explanations and examples informed by grammar references. Level placement is an editorial teaching choice.