Breakdown of Die finanzielle Hilfe lindert den Schmerz derer, die krank sind.
sein
to be
die Hilfe
the help
krank
sick
der
who, which, that (relative pronoun; die, das)
der Schmerz
the pain
derer
of those (pointing forward)
lindern
to alleviate
finanziell
financial
Questions & Answers about Die finanzielle Hilfe lindert den Schmerz derer, die krank sind.
Why does this sentence use derer instead of deren?
Both are genitive plural demonstrative pronouns, but they point in different directions! You use derer when pointing forward to a relative clause that explains who you mean (here, die krank sind). You use deren when pointing backward to a noun you have already mentioned.
What case is derer in, and what is its role here?
It is in the genitive case, translating to 'of those'. It shows possession or association, connecting directly to den Schmerz to mean 'the pain of those'.
Could I use the regular genitive plural article der here instead of derer?
No. While the definite article der is used for the genitive plural in basic sentences, German specifically requires the demonstrative pronoun derer when saying 'of those' right before a relative clause that defines who 'those' people are.
Is lindert the standard verb to use with pain?
Yes. Schmerzen lindern is a very common fixed expression in German, translating to 'alleviate pain' or 'relieve pain'. You will hear it frequently in medical contexts or on medication packaging.
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