Subjunctive in Adjective Clauses

Kurz erklärt

An adjective clause describes a noun. In Spanish, use the subjunctive in this clause when the noun refers to a person or thing whose existence or identity is unknown, uncertain, or denied. Use the indicative when referring to a specific person or thing known to exist: Busco el libro que tiene las respuestas. Compare this with Busco un libro que tenga las respuestas, where no particular book is identified.

Bildung

Main clause + noun or pronoun + que + present subjunctive: Busco un apartamento que tenga balcón.

Verwendung

• Use it when looking for or needing someone or something that is not yet identified: Necesito un técnico que sepa reparar esto.
• Use it after expressions that deny the existence of the person or thing: No hay nadie que pueda ayudarme.
• Use it when a question presents the existence of a suitable person or thing as uncertain: ¿Conoces a alguien que hable portugués?
• Use the indicative instead when the speaker has a specific, known referent in mind.

Beispiele

• Quiero comprar una computadora que sea fácil de usar. — I want to buy a computer that is easy to use.
• No conozco ningún restaurante que sirva comida peruana. — I don’t know any restaurant that serves Peruvian food.
• ¿Hay algún autobús que vaya al centro? — Is there a bus that goes downtown?

Typischer Fehler

❌ Busco un apartamento que tiene balcón.

✅ Busco un apartamento que tenga balcón.

English does not mark this distinction in the verb, but Spanish uses the subjunctive because the desired apartment is not yet identified and may not exist.

Merke

Known and specific usually takes the indicative; unknown, uncertain, or nonexistent usually takes the subjunctive.