ReplacingKonjunktiv IwithKonjunktiv II
When the Konjunktiv Iform is identical with the verb in the indicative,
it is usually replaced with the Konjunktiv IIform to avoid confusion with
direct speech. This is the case when the plural form sieis used:Direct speech Sie sagten: „Wir leben inBerlin.“
Konjunktiv I Sie sagten, sie lebenin Berlin.
(identical verb form)
Konjunktiv II Sie sagten, sie lebtenin Berlin.
(different verb form)Indirect speech in less formal language
Whereas the formation of the reported speech in formal writing is to a
certain degree standardised, the rules or conventions for the spoken
language and less formal writing are much less strict.
Although it is always grammatically correct to use the Konjunktiv I
form in order to report what somebody has said, its use is often perceived
as stilted and old fashioned.
The following alternatives are possible in contemporary German:- dass+ indicative → Sie sagte, dasssie zur Party kommt.
- the indicative → Sie sagte, sie kommtzur Party.
- würden+infinitive → Sie sagte, sie würdezur Party kommen.
- Konjunktiv II → Sie sagte, sie kämezur Party.
- dass+Konjunktiv II → Sie sagte, dasssie zur Party käme.
Learning tip
Although in general the use of the Konjunktiv forms are decreasing in
contemporary German, they are still widely used in the media.
Being able to identify the various ways of indirect speech will make it
much easier to understand German newspaper articles and other news
reports.- For more information on the formation and usage of Konjunktiv
II, see Unit 23.
Unit 24: Indirect speech 183