Word
Diese Methode ist insofern hilfreich, als sie negative Gedanken reduziert.
Meaning
This method is helpful insofar as it reduces negative thoughts.
Part of speech
sentence
Pronunciation
Course
Breakdown of Diese Methode ist insofern hilfreich, als sie negative Gedanken reduziert.
sein
to be
sie
she
dieser
this / that (fem.: diese, neut.: dieses)
die Methode
the method
Questions & Answers about Diese Methode ist insofern hilfreich, als sie negative Gedanken reduziert.
Why are insofern and als separated by hilfreich in this sentence?
insofern acts as an adverb modifying the adjective hilfreich in the main clause (meaning 'helpful to that extent'), while als is the subordinating conjunction introducing the dependent clause. When a specific adjective is being restricted, it usually sits right between insofern and als.
Why does the verb reduziert go to the very end of the sentence?
The word als here functions as a subordinating conjunction. Just like dass or weil, it forces the conjugated verb (reduziert) to the end of its clause. This is the standard word order whenever you use the insofern ..., als ... structure.
Can I use dass instead of als to mean 'insofar as' here?
In colloquial or spoken German, you will often hear insofern ..., dass ... used exactly like this. However, insofern ..., als ... is considered the standard, grammatically correct form, especially for writing at the B2 level.
Why does the adjective negative only have an -e ending?