Question 1

Why do we use dasjenige here instead of just das?

Accepted Answer

While you could simply say Ich lese nur das, was..., using dasjenige puts special emphasis on the specific thing being pointed out. It acts as a strong pointer directly linking to the relative clause that follows.

Question 2

Why does the relative clause start with was instead of das?

Accepted Answer

When referring to a general, unspecified neuter pronoun like dasjenige, das, or alles (everything), German uses was as the relative pronoun. If we were referring to a specific neuter noun, like dasjenige Buch (that particular book), we would use das instead.

Question 3

What case is dasjenige in here, and how does its ending work?

Accepted Answer

It is in the accusative case because it is the direct object of lese (read). The word is made of two parts that both decline: the definite article das and the adjective jenige. Because neuter nominative and accusative are the same, the form remains dasjenige.

Question 4

Why is the separable prefix in vorschlägst attached to the verb instead of at the end?

Accepted Answer

The verb vorschlagen (to suggest) is a separable verb. Normally the prefix vor- would jump to the end of the clause, but because this is a subordinate relative clause, the conjugated verb is pushed to the very end, causing the prefix to stay firmly attached.

Question 5

Why do we use the dative pronoun mir here?

Accepted Answer

The verb vorschlagen requires the dative case for the person receiving the suggestion. You are suggesting something (the accusative object, represented by was) to someone (the dative indirect object, mir).

Ich lese nur dasjenige, was du mir vorschlägst.

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