Four ways to make the noun
Each method fixes the noun’s gender, which you then need for the article and the case after the preposition.
From conjunction to preposition
The core of nominal style is swapping a subordinating conjunction for a preposition. Each pair below means the same.
| Meaning | Verbal (clause) | Nominal (phrase) | Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | genitive | ||
| Time | dative | ||
| After | dative | ||
| Before | dative | ||
| Purpose | dative | ||
| Concession | genitive | ||
| Condition | dative |
Extended participle phrases
Formal German can also turn a relative clause into a long adjective placed before the noun. English cannot do this; you have to read it from the article to the noun and then back. Choose a level of compression.
Decoding a letter from the authorities
German official letters (Behördendeutsch) are famous for this style. Each sentence below is followed by a plain-German version. Nominalised words are in red; every word has its English meaning underneath.
Use nominal style for reports, summaries, titles and formal letters. In speech and emails to people you know, keep verbs: a chain of genitives like die Verbesserung der Organisation der Verteilung is hard to follow even for native speakers.
Eine Entscheidung treffen, zur Verfügung stellen
Formal German often replaces a simple verb with a noun and a light verb (Funktionsverbgefüge). Recognise the pairs; use the simple verb when speaking.
Unpacking a nominal sentence
Turning noun-heavy sentences back into verbs is the key skill for reading official letters. Each pair says the same thing.