Definiteness across Clauses
Hungarian verbs in complex sentences don't 'share' definiteness. The main verb is usually definite if it introduces a clause, while the subordinate verb follows its own object rules.
How It Works
In Hungarian, the choice between definite and indefinite conjugation is a local decision for every verb. When you connect two clauses, you must evaluate each verb separately.
1. The Main Clause Verb
If a transitive main verb (like 'say', 'know', 'hope') has a hogy-clause (that-clause) as its object, the main verb must be in the definite conjugation. This is because the entire subordinate clause is treated as a specific, definite entity. Often, the dummy pronoun azt (that/it) is used to represent this clause.
2. The Subordinate Clause Verb
The verb inside the subordinate clause ignores the main verb's conjugation. It looks only at its own object:
- If the object is indefinite (e.g., egy + noun), use the indefinite conjugation.
- If the object is definite (e.g., a/az + noun), use the definite conjugation.
- If there is no object, use the indefinite conjugation.
3. Relative Clauses
In relative clauses, the verb's conjugation is triggered by the relative pronoun (like amit or akit). Even if the noun being described is definite, the pronoun amit (which/that) triggers the indefinite conjugation, whereas amelyiket (which one) triggers the definite conjugation.
Examples (4)
- Azt mondom, hogy látsz egy madarat.
I say [it] that you see a bird.
Word by Word: That-acc I-say, that you-see a bird-acc.
'Mondom' is definite because its object is the 'hogy' clause. 'Látsz' is indefinite because its object is 'egy madarat' (a bird).
- Látom a fiút, akit szeretsz.
I see the boy whom you love.
Word by Word: I-see-def the boy-acc, whom-acc you-love-indef.
'Látom' is definite (object: the boy). 'Szeretsz' is indefinite because the relative pronoun 'akit' triggers the indefinite conjugation.
- Remélem, hogy megkapod a levelet.
I hope [it] that you receive the letter.
Word by Word: I-hope-def, that you-receive-def the letter-acc.
Both are definite: 'Remélem' because of the clause, and 'megkapod' because its object 'a levelet' (the letter) is definite.
- Tudom, mit csinálsz.
I know what you are doing.
Word by Word: I-know-def, what-acc you-do-indef.
'Tudom' is definite because it refers to the whole 'what you are doing' fact. 'Csinálsz' is indefinite because 'mit' (what) triggers the indefinite conjugation.
Common Mistakes
Using the indefinite conjugation for a main verb that introduces a 'hogy' clause.
Mondok, hogy jössz.Mondom, hogy jössz.Even if the action inside the clause is indefinite, the clause itself acts as a definite object for the main verb 'mond'.
Using the definite conjugation with the relative pronoun 'amit' because the antecedent noun is definite.
A könyv, amit olvasom.A könyv, amit olvasok.The verb in the relative clause only cares about the pronoun 'amit', which always triggers the indefinite conjugation, regardless of the noun it refers to.
Related Patterns
- Definite Conjugation
This pattern explains how to apply definite endings when the object is a specific entity or a clause.
Level 1 - Indefinite Conjugation
This pattern explains the default conjugation used when objects are non-specific or when using pronouns like 'amit'.
Level 1 - hogy (tárgyi mellékmondat)That-Clauses
These clauses function as the definite object of the main verb, necessitating the definite conjugation.
Level 3 - Declined Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns like 'amit' and 'akit' determine the conjugation of the verb within the relative clause.
Level 3 - Relative Clauses and Conjugation
This specifically covers the rules for choosing conjugation based on which relative pronoun is used.
Level 4
Practice Definiteness across Clauses in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Hungarian lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
