Indirect speech is a way of reporting what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. In German, indirect speech is often formed using the subjunctive I (Konjunktiv I) mood to indicate that the statement is reported speech rather than a direct quote. If the subjunctive I forms are identical to the indicative, subjunctive II (Konjunktiv II) may be used for clarity. In English, indirect speech is formed by changing pronouns, verb tenses, and word order, usually introduced by reporting verbs such as "say," "tell," or "ask."
Indirect Speech in Statements
In German, statements in indirect speech are usually introduced by verbs like sagen (to say), berichten (to report), or meinen (to mean), followed by the clause in Konjunktiv I. The subjunctive form signals that the information is being reported.
Example Patterns
- German: Er sagt, er sei müde.
- English: He says that he is tired.
Additional Notes
- Pronouns and time expressions may change to fit the reporting context.
- Verb position remains subjunctive, and the verb is placed at the end of the clause.
Indirect Speech in Questions
When reporting questions, German indirect speech uses the same introductory verbs, but the question word (e.g., wer, was, warum) or ob (whether) is used. The verb remains in Konjunktiv I and appears at the end.
Example Patterns
- German: Sie fragt, warum er spät sei.
- English: She asks why he is late.
Additional Notes
- Yes/no questions use ob in German indirect speech.
- The reported question is no longer a direct question but a subordinate clause.
Translate: They ask where the library is.
Sie fragen, wo die Bibliothek sei. (die Bibliothek, sein)
'Wo' remains the question word. The verb sein switches to sei in Konjunktiv I and goes to the end of the clause.
Indirect Speech in Commands and Requests
Commands and requests are reported using verbs like auffordern (to request), bitten (to ask), or befehlen (to order), followed by zu + infinitive.
Example Patterns
- German: Er fordert sie auf, pünktlich zu sein.
- English: He asks her to be punctual.
Additional Notes
- The subject of the infinitive phrase is understood from context.
- Infinitive constructions are always at the end of the sentence.
Translate: He requests me to send the email.
Er bittet mich, die E-Mail zu schicken. (ich, schicken)
Use 'zu' + infinitive ('zu schicken') after 'bitten' for indirect requests. The phrase goes at the end.
Using Other Verbs for Indirect Speech
While sagen is common, other verbs can convey nuances of meaning in indirect speech.
Examples
| Verb | Meaning | Example (German) | Example (English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| berichten | to report | Sie berichtet, dass das Wetter schlecht sei. | She reports that the weather is bad. |
| meinen | to mean/intend | Er meint, er habe keine Zeit. | He means that he has no time. |
| antworten | to answer | Er antwortet, er komme später. | He answers that he will come later. |
Summary
- Use Konjunktiv I for reporting statements and questions.
- Use zu + infinitive after verbs like bitten or auffordern for commands.
- Pronouns and time references are adjusted as needed.
- Alternative verbs can express different shades of meaning.
Indirect speech allows you to report others’ words accurately and naturally in German grammar.
Which of the following verbs can be used for indirect speech aside from sagen?
- berichten
- meinen
- antworten
Berichten, meinen, and antworten are common reporting verbs, each adding a nuance to the indirect speech.
Summary
- Use Konjunktiv I for indirect statements and questions.
- Use zu + Infinitiv for indirect commands and requests.
- Pronouns and time expressions adjust to the reporting context.
- Other verbs like berichten, meinen, and antworten can be used for tone.
- If Konjunktiv I forms are ambiguous, use Konjunktiv II for clarity.
Which of the following verbs can be used for indirect speech aside from sagen?
- berichten
- meinen
- antworten
Berichten, meinen, and antworten are common reporting verbs, each adding a nuance to the indirect speech.
Flashcards (1 of 3)
- Verb: berichten
- Meaning: to report
- Example (English): She reports that the weather is bad.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
