Breakdown of Anstatt dass die Gäste das Abendessen genießen, meckert jemand darüber.
das Abendessen
the dinner
jemand
someone
der Gast
the guest
darüber
about it, over it
genießen
to enjoy
meckern
to complain
anstatt dass
instead of (+ subordinate clause)
Questions & Answers about Anstatt dass die Gäste das Abendessen genießen, meckert jemand darüber.
Why do we use anstatt dass here instead of anstatt ... zu?
We use anstatt dass because the two clauses have different subjects. The first part is about the guests (die Gäste), while the second part is about someone else (jemand). If the subject were exactly the same in both parts, you would use anstatt with a zu infinitive instead.
Why is the verb genießen at the very end of the first clause?
The phrase anstatt dass acts as a subordinating conjunction. Just like weil or ob, it forces the conjugated verb (genießen) to the very end of its own clause, right before the comma.
Why does the second half of the sentence start with the verb meckert?
The entire first half of the sentence (Anstatt dass ... genießen) is a subordinate clause that takes up the first position in the overall sentence structure. To satisfy the strict rule that the main verb must be in the second position, the main clause has to start immediately with its verb (meckert).
What is the function of darüber at the end of the sentence?
It means 'about it' and refers back to the dinner. The verb meckern (to complain) naturally pairs with the preposition über (to complain about). Instead of repeating über das Abendessen, German combines da and über to form darüber.
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