Learn Hardcore German: Mein Kollege, der neben mir sitzt, zahlt immer bar. - My colleague, who sits next to me, always pays in cash.

Because der neben mir sitzt is a relative clause giving extra information about mein Kollege. In German, relative clauses are always set off by commas.

What is the function of der in der neben mir sitzt?

Der is a relative pronoun. It refers back to Kollege (masculine singular) and acts as the subject of the relative clause.

Why does the verb sitzt appear at the end of the clause?

In German subordinate clauses—including relative clauses—the finite verb is placed at the end (verb-final word order).

Why is mir in the dative case?

The preposition neben can take either dative or accusative. When it indicates location (“next to me”), it requires the dative, hence mir.

Why is the word order zahlt immer bar and not zahlt bar immer?

German adverbials generally follow the order: Time – Manner – Place. Immer (time) comes before bar (manner).

What does bar mean here, and why is there no preposition?

Bar is an adverb meaning in cash. As an adverb of manner, it directly modifies zahlt without needing a preposition.

Why is it mein Kollege, not meinen Kollege?

Mein Kollege is the subject of the main clause and thus in the nominative case. The nominative masculine singular form of mein is mein, not meinen.

Can I replace der with welcher in this sentence?

Yes, you could say Mein Kollege, welcher neben mir sitzt, zahlt immer bar, especially in formal or written contexts. However, using der is more common and sounds more natural in everyday speech.

Could I also say zahlt immer in bar instead of zahlt immer bar?

Yes, in bar is also correct meaning “in cash,” but dropping the preposition and using bar alone is more concise and typical in colloquial German.