Understanding Reported Speech and Modality in German

What is Reported Speech in German?

In German, reported speech (also known as indirect speech) is used to convey what someone else has said without quoting them directly. It often involves the use of subjunctive mood (Konjunktiv) to indicate that the information is reported.

How to Form Reported Speech

Reported speech in German can be formed by using the subjunctive I (Konjunktiv I) or subjunctive II (Konjunktiv II), depending on the context and level of certainty. Subjunctive I is usually preferred but subjunctive II is used when the subjunctive I form is indistinguishable from the indicative.

Examples of Reported Speech

Understanding Modality in German

Modality refers to the use of auxiliary verbs to express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. In German, these are often modal verbs like müssen (must), können (can), dürfen (may), etc.

Common Modal Verbs in German

• Müssen - must
• Können - can
• Dürfen - may
• Sollen - should
• Wollen - want to

Using Modality in Sentences

To use modality in German, place the modal verb in the second position of the sentence. The main verb is pushed to the end in its infinitive form. For example, "I must go" becomes "Ich muss gehen."