Breakdown of Die Methode verhindert viele Fehler.
viele
many
der Fehler
the mistake
die Methode
the method
verhindern
to prevent
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Questions & Answers about Die Methode verhindert viele Fehler.
What is the gender and case of die Methode in this sentence?
die Methode is feminine (the noun Methode is feminine), and here it functions as the subject of the clause, so it’s in the nominative case.
Why does verhindert come directly after the subject instead of at the end of the sentence?
This is a main clause in German, which follows the V2 (“verb-second”) rule: the finite verb always occupies the second position. Only in subordinate clauses (introduced by words like dass) does the verb move to the end.
Is verhindern a separable verb? Why doesn’t it split into ver and hindert?
verhindern is an inseparable-prefix verb (the prefix ver- never detaches). In all tenses and moods, the verb stays together as one unit.
What case does viele Fehler have, and why isn’t there an article like die or einige in front of Fehler?
viele Fehler is the direct object of verhindert, so it’s in the accusative case. The word viele is a quantifier meaning “many” and replaces an article when used with a plural noun, so you don’t add another article.
Why is the plural of Fehler identical to its singular form?
Some German nouns form their plural without changing the ending. Fehler is one of these: singular is der Fehler, plural is die Fehler (no additional ending).
Can I omit viele and just say Die Methode verhindert Fehler? How would that alter the meaning?
Yes—Die Methode verhindert Fehler is perfectly correct. You lose the emphasis on quantity, though; viele highlights that the method prevents many errors rather than errors in general.
Could I rephrase this sentence using a dass-clause, for example Die Methode verhindert, dass viele Fehler auftreten? Are both versions acceptable?
Absolutely. Using a dass-clause makes the prevented event explicit: Die Methode verhindert, dass viele Fehler auftreten (“The method prevents many errors from occurring”). The original transitive form with viele Fehler is simply more concise.
What’s the difference between verhindern and vermeiden? When should each be used?
verhindern (“to prevent”) means actively stopping something from happening. vermeiden (“to avoid”) means steering clear of something, so it doesn’t arise in the first place. Use verhindern when you interrupt or block a process; use vermeiden when you choose not to do something at all.
If I want to emphasize viele Fehler, can I start with that and say Viele Fehler verhindert die Methode? Does the verb position change?
Yes. By fronting viele Fehler, you place it in first position for emphasis. The finite verb verhindert stays in second position, and die Methode follows:
Viele Fehler verhindert die Methode.
This shifts the focus onto “many errors.”