Hungarian Grammar Guide

Topic: Complex Sentence Structures

Introduction: In Hungarian, complex sentences allow us to express more detailed thoughts and ideas by combining multiple clauses. By mastering complex sentence structures, you will be able to convey more complex concepts and express your thoughts in a more nuanced and sophisticated manner. In this guide, we will explore the different types of complex sentence structures in Hungarian and provide examples to help you understand and apply them effectively.

1. Subordinate Clauses: Subordinate clauses play a crucial role in forming complex sentences. These clauses provide additional information to the main clause and cannot stand alone as complete sentences. They are introduced by various conjunctions, such as hogy (that), mert (because), amikor (when), and ha (if), among others.

Example:

• Will you come to the party? → "Megjössz a buliba?"
• I will come if I have time. → "Eljövök, ha van időm."

2. Relative clauses: Relative clauses are used to provide additional details about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. In Hungarian, relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns like ami, aki, amely, among others.

Example:

• The book that I read is very interesting. → "Az a könyv, amit olvastam, nagyon érdekes."

3. Comparative Clauses: Comparative clauses are used to compare two or more things or actions. In Hungarian, comparative clauses are formed by using the conjunction mintha (as if) or the correlative conjunctions olyan...mint (as...as).

Example:

• She runs faster than I do. → "Gyorsabban fut, mint én."
• He speaks as if he knows everything. → "Úgy beszél, mintha mindent tudna."

4. Conditional Clauses: Conditional clauses express a condition under which something else will happen. In Hungarian, conditional clauses are introduced by the conjunction ha (if) or amennyiben (provided that).

Example:

• If it rains, we will stay at home. → "Ha esik az eső, otthon maradunk."
• Provided that you study, you will pass the exam. → "Amennyiben tanulsz, átmész a vizsgán."

5. Purpose Clauses: Purpose clauses indicate the reason or purpose for which something is done. In Hungarian, purpose clauses are introduced by the conjunction hogy (that) or a suffix -hogy attached to a verb.

Example:

• I am studying so that I can get good grades. → "Tanulok, hogy jó jegyeket kapjak."

Conclusion: Mastering complex sentence structures in Hungarian allows you to express more detailed thoughts and ideas. By understanding and applying subordinate clauses, relative clauses, comparative clauses, conditional clauses, and purpose clauses, you can effectively communicate in a more nuanced and sophisticated manner. Practice forming complex sentences in Hungarian to enhance your language skills and take your communication to the next level.