A Question or a Description

Level 5

Words such as tko, što and koji can introduce either an embedded question or a relative construction. Their function depends on the larger sentence.

How It Works

An embedded question occupies a role after expressions such as pitati, ne znati or provjeriti: Provjeri koji vlak staje ovdje. It presents information to be determined.

A relative clause describes a noun or a demonstrative: vlak koji staje ovdje, ono što tražim. It need not express uncertainty. A free relative such as Tko želi, može ostati has no overt noun but still refers to whoever meets the condition.

The introductory word alone is insufficient. First locate the main predicate and any antecedent. Then decide whether the dependent clause supplies a question’s content or refers to a person, thing or place. In both uses, case comes from the role inside that clause.

Examples (3)

  1. Ne znam tko je otvorio prozor.

    I do not know who opened the window.

  2. Osoba koja je otvorila prozor već je otišla.

    The person who opened the window has already left.

  3. Pokaži mi koju si knjigu odabrala.

    Show me which book you chose.

How It Connects

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A Question or a DescriptionLevel 5

Learn This First

Similar-looking clause openers serve either an embedded question or a relative description.

Words in This Pattern