Breakdown of Wir hoffen, dass der Bildschirm nicht zerbricht.
wir
we
nicht
not
hoffen
to hope
dass
that
der
who, which, that (relative pronoun; die, das)
der Bildschirm
the screen
zerbrechen
to break (into pieces)
Questions & Answers about Wir hoffen, dass der Bildschirm nicht zerbricht.
What does the prefix zer- add to the verb brechen in this sentence?
The prefix zer- always indicates destruction, often into many pieces. While brechen just means "to break" (like snapping a stick or a bone), zerbrechen specifically means to shatter, smash, or break into pieces. In this sentence, we are hoping the screen doesn't shatter.
Is zer- a separable or inseparable prefix?
It is inseparable. Prefixes like zer-, ver-, and ent- are always firmly attached to the verb. Because it is inseparable, it stays glued to bricht rather than splitting off, which is why the whole word zerbricht sits together at the end.
Why does the verb zerbricht go to the very end of the sentence?
Because of the word dass (that). Dass is a subordinating conjunction, which means it introduces a subordinate clause (dass der Bildschirm nicht zerbricht). In German subordinate clauses, the conjugated verb is always kicked to the very end.
Why is nicht placed right before the verb here?
Normally, nicht likes to sit near the end of a sentence to negate the whole action. However, because the dass clause forces the conjugated verb (zerbricht) to take the absolute final position, nicht has to settle for the spot immediately in front of it.
How is the word der Bildschirm constructed?
It's a compound noun made from das Bild (the picture) and der Schirm (the umbrella, shield, or screen). So a "picture screen" translates perfectly to a monitor, TV screen, or phone screen.
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