Clause Objects

Level 4

In Hungarian, when a sentence starts with 'I know that...', 'He said that...', or 'We think that...', the main verb (know, say, think) must use the definite conjugation. This is because the entire clause starting with hogy is treated as a specific, definite object.

How It Works

When a hogy-clause functions as the direct object of a transitive verb, it triggers the definite conjugation.

1. The Role of 'Azt'
In Hungarian, the demonstrative pronoun azt (the accusative form of az) serves as the standard structural anchor (anticipatory pronoun) for the upcoming clause. Because azt is a definite object, the verb must be definite.
Example: Azt mondom, hogy... (I say [that] that...)

2. Omission of 'Azt'
In casual conversation, azt is frequently dropped. However, the verb remains definite because the 'definite' nature of the clause is still understood by the speaker.
Example: Mondom, hogy... (I say that...)

3. Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
This rule only applies to transitive verbs (verbs that can take a direct object). If the main verb is intransitive, such as örül (to be happy/rejoice), it will never take the definite conjugation, even if followed by a hogy-clause.
Example: Örülök, hogy itt vagy. (I am glad that you are here.)

4. Indirect Questions

Just like hogy-clauses, indirect questions (clauses starting with question words like ki, mi, hol) also function as definite objects. Therefore, the main verb must use the definite conjugation.
Example: Nem tudom, ki ő. (I don't know who he is.)

5. Exceptions: Indefinite Quantifiers
If the main verb is modified by an indefinite quantifier like valamit (something) or annyit (that much) instead of azt, the verb switches to the indefinite conjugation.
Example: Csak annyit mondott, hogy elfáradt. (He only said that much, that he got tired.)

Examples (5)

  1. Azt hiszem, hogy esni fog az eső.

    I think that it will rain.

    Word by Word: That-ACC I-think, that rain will the rain.

    The verb 'hiszem' is in the definite conjugation because it refers to the specific fact mentioned in the 'hogy' clause, explicitly signaled by 'azt'.

  2. Tudják, hogy holnap ünnepnap van.

    They know that tomorrow is a holiday.

    Word by Word: They-know-it, that tomorrow holiday-day is.

    Even though 'azt' is omitted here, the verb 'tudják' remains in the definite conjugation.

  3. Mondd meg neki, hogy várom!

    Tell him that I am waiting for him!

    Word by Word: Say-it [prefix] to-him, that I-wait-him!

    The imperative 'mondd' is definite because the object is the clause starting with 'hogy'.

  4. Csak annyit mondott, hogy nem jön.

    He only said that much, that he isn't coming.

    Word by Word: Only that-much-ACC he-said, that not he-comes.

    Here, 'mondott' is indefinite because the object is the quantifier 'annyit' (that much), not the definite 'azt'.

  5. Remélem, hogy jól vagy.

    I hope that you are well.

    Word by Word: I-hope-it, that well you-are.

    A very common expression where the definite conjugation 'remélem' is used automatically with the 'hogy' clause.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the indefinite conjugation for the main verb.

    Gondolok, hogy késő van.
    Gondolom, hogy késő van.

    Learners often use 'gondolok' (indefinite) because there is no visible definite noun. However, the 'hogy' clause itself makes the object definite, requiring 'gondolom'.

  • Confusing 'hogy' (that) with 'hogy' (how) in indirect questions.

    Nem tudom, hogy hogy hívják.
    Nem tudom, hogy hívják.

    While 'hogy' can mean 'how', in the sense of 'I don't know how they call him', you don't need a double 'hogy'. The verb 'tudom' remains definite because you are referring to the specific name/fact.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Clause ObjectsLevel 4

Learn This First

To understand how hogy-clauses function as objects, a learner must first be comfortable with the definite conjugation system. They also need to understand the basic syntax of 'hogy' (that) clauses and how the demonstrative pronoun 'az' (in the accusative form 'azt') often serves as a placeholder object that triggers the definite conjugation for the following clause.

Words in This Pattern

hogy