Commas and formal register
Punctuate complex clauses and adjust style to context.
The rule
Use commas to mark subordinate, relative and clause-like infinitive boundaries. Capitalise formal Sie and Ihr, and prefer precise wording in formal messages.
comma before subordinate/relative/infinitive clauses · formal Sie/Ihr · neutral precise wording
Separate subordinate and relative clauses with commas.
The 2024 rules require commas around clause-like infinitive groups, including expanded dependent groups; bare infinitives and integrated predicates have defined exceptions.
Capitalise formal Sie, Ihnen, and Ihr forms consistently.
Core forms and structures
Use this table as a reference, then retrieve the forms without looking.
| Form | Function | German example | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pattern 1 | The comma precedes the subordinate weil-clause. | Ich komme später, weil mein Zug Verspätung hat. | I will come later because my train is delayed. |
| Pattern 2 | Commas frame the relative clause. | Der Kurs, den ich gebucht habe, fällt aus. | The course I booked is cancelled. |
| Pattern 3 | Formal Ihnen is capitalised and um-zu group is separated by a comma. | Ich schreibe Ihnen, um einen Termin zu vereinbaren. | I am writing to arrange an appointment. |
| Pattern 4 | Konjunktiv II creates an appropriate formal request. | Könnten Sie mir bitte die Unterlagen senden? | Could you please send me the documents? |
| Pattern 5 | The standard formal closing uses dative plural -en and conventional capitalisation. | Mit freundlichen Grüßen Mia Klein | Kind regards, Mia Klein. |
German examples with English meanings
Ich komme später, weil mein Zug Verspätung hat.
I will come later because my train is delayed.
The comma precedes the subordinate weil-clause.
Der Kurs, den ich gebucht habe, fällt aus.
The course I booked is cancelled.
Commas frame the relative clause.
Ich schreibe Ihnen, um einen Termin zu vereinbaren.
I am writing to arrange an appointment.
Formal Ihnen is capitalised and um-zu group is separated by a comma.
Könnten Sie mir bitte die Unterlagen senden?
Could you please send me the documents?
Konjunktiv II creates an appropriate formal request.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen Mia Klein
Kind regards, Mia Klein.
The standard formal closing uses dative plural -en and conventional capitalisation.
Common mistakes
Incorrect: Ich komme später weil, mein Zug Verspätung hat.
Correct: Ich komme später, weil mein Zug Verspätung hat.
The comma precedes the subordinate weil-clause.
Incorrect: Der Kurs den ich gebucht habe fällt aus.
Correct: Der Kurs, den ich gebucht habe, fällt aus.
Commas frame the relative clause.
Incorrect: Ich schreibe ihnen um einen Termin vereinbaren.
Correct: Ich schreibe Ihnen, um einen Termin zu vereinbaren.
Formal Ihnen is capitalised and um-zu group is separated by a comma.
Incorrect: Senden Sie mir die Sachen sofort!
Correct: Könnten Sie mir bitte die Unterlagen senden?
Konjunktiv II creates an appropriate formal request.
Incorrect: Liebe Grüße! Mia
Correct: Mit freundlichen Grüßen Mia Klein
The standard formal closing uses dative plural -en and conventional capitalisation.
Details and useful distinctions
Avoid conversational fillers and abrupt imperatives in formal messages; use clear subject lines, openings, requests, and closings.
Practise this grammar
Read for clause boundaries first and add commas; then read again only for register—formal pronouns, request tone, and conventional opening/closing.
Open Commas and formal register exercises →
For source references and editorial level notes, see the grammar reference. You can report a correction if an explanation or example seems wrong.