Before "how" is a comma?
Are you one of those people who keep asking yourself whether there is a comma in front of "how" or not? But the decision is actually not that difficult. Just memorize a few little rules and you may never ponder again.
Superfluous commas appear again and again in front of the inconspicuous word "like". But when is one set and when not?
Commas for comparisons and subordinate clauses
- If you use the little word "like" as a comparative conjunction that is not followed by a whole sentence, but only parts of the sentence, no comma is used. Example: "My neighbor is stupid as bread" or "I ate as many loaves as my neighbor". You can see that no semicolon has been set here because these sentences are pure main clauses without subordinate clauses.
- However, if an infinitive with "zu" is added to the comparative conjunction, you can decide for yourself whether you want to put a semicolon or not: "The smell of his bread was worth almost as much to him (,) as it was in the lottery to win."
- The situation is different if you use "like" to introduce a subordinate clause. Then always put a comma: "I don't know how my neighbor can eat so much bread."
- If the "how" introduces a subordinate clause, but if it is shortened in a formula, then it suits you free to use a semicolon or not: "Yesterday (,) my neighbor had five loaves of bread as expected (,) eaten. "
- You can use the word "like" instead of "and". You put a comma if you would also put it in front of the "and". Example: "Bread like rolls like pretzels are baked goods." So don't put a semicolon here because you wouldn't have put one in front of the "and": "Bread and rolls and pretzels are baked goods."
Comma before whether? - Hints
The German language is not always easy. You will notice this especially when it comes to ...
A semicolon in front of "how" is not mandatory here
- If a sentence with "like" is a trailing explanation, a comma is not required, but you can enclose the explanation in semicolons if you want. For example: "For neighbors (,) like Günter or Horst (,) bread is very important.
- However, if the following explanation is necessary in your sentence in order to understand the sentence, you must not use a semicolon: "Ingredients such as flour and water belong in bread."
By the way, the comma rules listed above are not an invention of the new German spelling, orthography. These have been valid for much longer.
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