Relative Clauses and Conjugation
In Hungarian relative clauses, the verb's conjugation depends on the relative pronoun itself. Most common pronouns like amit and akit are indefinite, while amelyiket is definite.
How It Works
Hungarian requires definite or indefinite conjugation based on the object of the verb. When a relative clause contains a transitive verb, the definiteness of that verb is determined by the relative pronoun if the pronoun is the direct object.
- Indefinite Relative Pronouns (amit, akit, amelyet, amennyit, ahányat): These pronouns always trigger the indefinite conjugation. Even if the noun they refer to in the main clause is definite (e.g., 'a könyv, amit olvasok'), the verb in the relative clause must be indefinite. This includes quantity-based pronouns like amennyit ('as much as') and ahányat ('as many as').
- Definite Relative Pronouns (amelyiket): The pronoun amelyiket ('which one') is inherently definite and always triggers the definite conjugation (e.g., 'a könyv, amelyiket olvasom').
- Clausal Antecedents: When ami refers to an entire previous sentence or idea, its accusative form amit is treated as an indefinite object.
- Pronoun as Subject: If the relative pronoun (like aki or ami) is the subject of the relative clause, the verb's conjugation is determined by the clause's own separate object, not the pronoun itself.
A common trap is trying to match the verb to the definite article of the main noun; remember that the pronoun amit 'resets' the definiteness to indefinite within its own clause.
Examples (5)
- Elvesztettem a könyvet, amit tegnap vettem.
I lost the book that I bought yesterday.
Word by Word: I-lost the book-ACC, which-ACC yesterday I-bought-INDEF.
Even though 'a könyvet' is definite, the relative pronoun 'amit' is indefinite, so the verb 'vettem' must be in the indefinite conjugation.
- Keresek egy könyvet, amit még nem olvastam.
I am looking for a book that I haven't read yet.
Word by Word: I-look-for a book-ACC, which-ACC yet not I-read-INDEF.
Since 'amit' is indefinite, it triggers the indefinite conjugation 'olvastam'.
- Ez az a toll, amelyiket a barátomtól kaptam.
This is the pen which (one) I received from my friend.
Word by Word: This that the pen, which-one-ACC the friend-my-from I-received-DEF.
The pronoun 'amelyiket' (which one) is inherently definite, so it triggers the definite conjugation 'kaptam'.
- Péter nem jött el, amit nagyon sajnálok.
Péter didn't come, which I regret very much.
Word by Word: Péter not came away, which-ACC very I-regret-INDEF.
When 'ami' refers to a whole clause, it is treated as indefinite. 'Sajnálok' is the indefinite form (the definite would be 'sajnálom').
- Ismersz olyan embert, akit mindenki szeret?
Do you know such a person whom everyone likes?
Word by Word: Know-you such person-ACC, whom-ACC everyone likes-INDEF?
The pronoun 'akit' is indefinite, triggering the indefinite conjugation 'szeret'.
Common Mistakes
Using the definite conjugation with 'amit' because the antecedent is definite.
Hol van az a levél, amit írtad?Hol van az a levél, amit írtál?Learners often think 'amit' inherits definiteness from 'az a levél'. However, 'amit' is always indefinite. 'Írtál' is the correct indefinite form; 'írtad' is definite and incorrect here.
Using the definite conjugation with the formal 'amelyet'.
A ház, amelyet építem...A ház, amelyet építek...'Amelyet' is the formal version of 'amit' and is also indefinite. It requires the indefinite conjugation 'építek' rather than the definite 'építem'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand how relative clauses affect verb conjugation, a learner must first be comfortable with the definite/indefinite conjugation system in Hungarian. They also need to know how relative pronouns (like 'aki' or 'ami') function as the link between the main clause and the subordinate clause, and how the definiteness of the object being referred to by the relative pronoun dictates the verb form used within that clause.
- akiWho / That for People
Relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns; understanding how these pronouns function as placeholders for the antecedent is necessary to determine the verb's definiteness.
Level 3 - Definite-Article Objects
Since relative clauses often define a specific noun, the learner needs to understand how definite articles and specific reference influence the choice of conjugation.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- Indefinite Conjugation
Most relative pronouns, including 'amit', 'akit', and 'amelyet', trigger the indefinite conjugation.
Level 1 - Definite Conjugation
The pronoun 'amelyiket' is inherently definite and requires the definite conjugation.
Level 1 - amiWhich / What
The accusative form 'amit' is the most common object in relative clauses and is always indefinite.
Level 3 - amelyWhich with an Explicit Noun
The accusative form 'amelyet' is formal but follows the same indefinite conjugation rules as 'amit'.
Level 3 - Definiteness across Clauses
This pattern clarifies how definiteness is handled specifically when the object is a relative pronoun.
Level 4 - Case Agreement on Demonstratives
Demonstratives like 'azt' often act as reference words in the main clause to signal the coming relative clause.
Level 1
Practice Relative Clauses and Conjugation in Bubblegum
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