Deutsch · B2 · grammar · 4 minutes
Indirect speech and source distance
Select Konjunktiv I, substitute Konjunktiv II where forms collide, and shift pronouns to the reporter’s viewpoint.
Understand the choice
German reported speech can visibly separate source from reporter. The tense relationship is carried by Konjunktiv constructions rather than a mandatory English-style backshift, while pronouns and time/place references still adapt.
Core rule: Formal indirect speech favors Konjunktiv I; when a form is identical to indicative, Konjunktiv II or würde may preserve reported-speech marking.
Notice it in context
Der Minister sagte, die Regierung werde den Entwurf prüfen.
The minister said the government would examine the draft.
Sagte introduces the source; werde…prüfen is future Konjunktiv I and attributes the promise.
Sie erklärte, sie habe den Bericht bereits gelesen.
She stated that she had already read the report.
Habe…gelesen forms a reported perfect.
Die Zeugen sagten, sie hätten nichts gehört.
The witnesses said they had heard nothing.
Hätten substitutes for an ambiguous plural Konjunktiv I form.
What to remember
- Reported commands often use sollen; reported requests can use mögen.
- The indicative may be chosen when the reporter explicitly accepts the claim as fact.
Common trap: Do not mechanically shift every present to preterite as in English. Preserve relative time through German reported forms.