Breakdown of Das Verhältnis zwischen dem König und der Königin war kompliziert.
sein
to be
und
and
zwischen
between
der König
the king
der
who, which, that (relative pronoun; die, das)
die Königin
the queen
kompliziert
complicated
das Verhältnis
the relationship (ratio, proportion)
Questions & Answers about Das Verhältnis zwischen dem König und der Königin war kompliziert.
What is the rule for the gender and plural of words ending in -nis, like das Verhältnis?
Most abstract nouns ending in the suffix -nis are neuter, which is why we use das Verhältnis. (A few common exceptions are feminine, like die Erlaubnis). To form the plural of any -nis noun, you always double the s and add -e. Therefore, the plural of this word is die Verhältnisse.
Why does zwischen trigger the dative case (dem König und der Königin) here instead of the accusative?
The word zwischen is a two-way preposition. You use the dative case for a fixed state or location, and the accusative for movement toward a destination. In abstract contexts like this, you use the dative because a relationship is a static state existing between the two people, rather than an action directed into a new space.
Does Verhältnis always just mean 'relationship'?
It is a very versatile word. Aside from general relationships, das Verhältnis can mean 'ratio' or 'proportion' in math and science. In personal contexts, it can also mean a romantic or extramarital 'affair' (for example, Sie haben ein Verhältnis). Here, the historical context shows it just describes the general interpersonal dynamic between the monarchs.
How is the noun das Verhältnis related to the verb verhalten?
It comes directly from the reflexive verb sich verhalten, which means 'to behave' or 'to act'. Therefore, das Verhältnis essentially describes the way two things or people 'behave' toward one another.
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