Breakdown of Wir müssen die Zeile löschen, welche falsch ist.
sein
to be
falsch
wrong
wir
we
müssen
to have to, must
löschen
to delete
welcher
which (welcher, welche, welches, welchen, welchem...)
die Zeile
the line
Questions & Answers about Wir müssen die Zeile löschen, welche falsch ist.
Why does this sentence use welche instead of die for the relative pronoun?
welche is a stylistic alternative to die. In written German or formal speech, you can use forms of welcher, welche, or welches instead of the standard der/die/das relative pronouns. It means exactly the same thing but sounds a bit more elevated.
How do I know to use welche instead of welchen or welcher here?
A relative pronoun takes its gender and number from the noun it refers back to (here, die Zeile, which is feminine singular), but its case comes from its role in the relative clause. Because it acts as the subject of falsch ist (which is wrong), it must be in the nominative case. The feminine nominative form is welche.
The word for "line" here is Zeile. Could I also use Linie?
No, Zeile specifically means a line of text, code, or a row in a spreadsheet. Linie refers to a drawn physical line, a geometric line, or a transit route (like a subway line). If you meant a line of people waiting, you would use Schlange.
Are there other common meanings for the verb löschen besides "to delete"?
Yes! Aside from deleting digital data or text, löschen is the standard verb for putting out or extinguishing a fire (ein Feuer löschen). It can also mean to erase something physical, like wiping a chalkboard or clearing a memory.
Learn Wir müssen die Zeile löschen, welche falsch ist 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