Breakdown of Der Techniker ist nicht höflich, aber er löst das Problem.
sein
to be
er
he
aber
but
das Problem
the problem
nicht
not
lösen
to solve
höflich
polite
der Techniker
the technician
Questions & Answers about Der Techniker ist nicht höflich, aber er löst das Problem.
We are learning about adjective endings. Why doesn't höflich have an ending here?
In German, adjectives only get endings when they come directly before a noun (like ein höflicher Techniker). Because höflich (polite) comes after the verb ist to describe the subject, it stays in its base form with no ending.
Does the word aber change the sentence structure in the second half?
No. aber (but) is a coordinating conjunction. You can think of it as taking up "position zero" in the sentence. This means the clause that follows it keeps normal word order: the subject (er) is in position 1, and the conjugated verb (löst) stays in position 2.
Why is nicht placed exactly where it is?
What is the dictionary form of the verb löst?
The infinitive is lösen (to solve). It is a regular verb, so to conjugate it for er (he), we just drop the -en and add a -t, making it er löst.
Learn Der Techniker ist nicht höflich, aber er löst das Problem and more in German
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free