Breakdown of Die neuen Mitarbeiter sind so produktiv, wie wir gehofft haben.
sein
to be
haben
to have
wir
we
neu
new
so
so, such (intensifier)
der Mitarbeiter
the employee (male)
hoffen
to hope
wie
as (in comparisons)
produktiv
productive
Questions & Answers about Die neuen Mitarbeiter sind so produktiv, wie wir gehofft haben.
Why is there a comma before wie in this sentence?
In German, wie here introduces a subordinate clause (wie wir gehofft haben). Unlike English, which doesn't use a comma before "as" in this context, German strictly requires a comma to separate the main clause from the subordinate clause.
Why does the conjugated verb haben go at the very end?
Because wie acts as a subordinating conjunction in this comparative structure. Subordinate clauses require verb-final word order in German, meaning the conjugated verb (haben) is pushed to the very end, placing it after the past participle (gehofft).
Why is the adjective ending neuen instead of neue?
This is a quick refresher on weak adjective declension. Because the plural noun Mitarbeiter is preceded by a definite article (Die), the adjective takes the -en ending. If there were no article, it would take the strong ending: Neue Mitarbeiter sind...
Why does the German sentence use gehofft haben (present perfect) when the English translation says "hoped" (simple past)?
German frequently uses the present perfect for past events that have a direct connection to a present result. You could also use the past perfect here (wie wir gehofft hatten - "as we had hoped"), but gehofft haben is completely natural for linking a past expectation to the present reality of how productive the employees are.
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