Breakdown of Dem Meteorologen zufolge ist die Überschwemmung verheerend.
sein
to be
der Meteorologe
the meteorologist
zufolge
according to (often follows the noun)
verheerend
devastating
die Überschwemmung
the flood (inundation of land)
Questions & Answers about Dem Meteorologen zufolge ist die Überschwemmung verheerend.
Why does zufolge come after dem Meteorologen instead of before it?
When zufolge means 'according to' and refers to an external source like a person, organization, or report, it is placed after the noun it modifies. When used in this postpositioned way, it always requires the dative case, which is why we see dem Meteorologen here.
How does the phrase Dem Meteorologen zufolge affect the word order of the sentence?
The entire phrase acts as a single block of information occupying position 1. Because standard German main clauses require the conjugated verb to be in position 2, the verb ist comes immediately next, pushing the subject die Überschwemmung to position 3.
Why is there an -n at the end of Meteorologen if it refers to a single person?
Meteorologe is a weak masculine noun, meaning it belongs to the n-declension group. These nouns add an -n or -en in every case except the nominative singular. Since zufolge dictates the dative case here, der Meteorologe becomes dem Meteorologen.
Is the adjective verheerend related to a verb?
Yes, it is the present participle of the verb verheeren (to devastate). Just like adding '-ing' in English, adding -end to the infinitive of a German verb creates an adjective that describes an ongoing action or quality, giving us 'devastating'.
Learn Dem Meteorologen zufolge ist die Überschwemmung verheerend 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