what ... for / according to which
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what ... for
Interrogative adverb referring to a thing or content governed by the preposition „nach“ (after / for). It usually corresponds to „nach was“ (what ... for) or „nach welcher Sache“ (which thing) and is often used when asking about a search or selection criterion.
Wonach suchst du in dieser Schublade?
What are you looking for in this drawer?
what ... for / which
Relative adverb meaning „nach dem, was“ (what ... for / what). It introduces a subordinate clause that indicates what an action or wish is directed toward.
Das ist genau das, wonach ich gesucht habe.
That is exactly what I was looking for.
according to which
Relative adverb meaning „gemäß dem“ (according to) or „entsprechend dem“ (in accordance with). It refers to a rule, standard, or basis that something is guided by.
Es gibt eine Regel, wonach jeder Antrag schriftlich gestellt werden muss.
There is a rule according to which every application must be submitted in writing.
„Wonach“ is made up of „wo“ (where / what) and „nach“ (after / for). It refers to a thing or criterion, not a person.
Wonach richtet sich der Preis?
What does the price depend on?
As an interrogative adverb, „wonach“ often appears at the beginning of a direct question. The verb follows in second position.
Wonach entscheidest du, welches Angebot du nimmst?
What do you base your decision on when choosing which offer to accept?
As a relative adverb, „wonach“ introduces a subordinate clause. The conjugated verb comes at the end of this clause.
Sie bekam endlich alles, wonach sie sich so lange gesehnt hatte.
She finally got everything she had longed for for so long.
In this meaning, „wonach“ often follows nouns such as „Regel“ (rule), „Vorschrift“ (regulation), „Gesetz“ (law), „Bericht“ (report), or „Studie“ (study). The subordinate clause then states the content of this rule or statement; the conjugated verb comes at the end.
Die Zeitung zitiert einen Bericht, wonach die Firma ihr Werk schließen will.
The newspaper cites a report according to which the company plans to close its plant.
Im Vertrag steht eine Klausel, wonach die Miete jährlich steigt.
The contract contains a clause according to which the rent increases every year.
