Konjunktiv I (Subjunctive I)

Question 1

When to use Konjunktiv I (Subjunctive I)

Answer 1

Konjunktiv I (Subjunctive I): Mainly used in indirect speech and to express reported statements, thoughts, or conditions.
• Example: “Er sagt, er sei krank” (He says he is sick).

Question 2

He says he is tired.

Answer 2

Er sagt, er sei müde.

Question 3

She thinks that it will rain.

Answer 3

Sie denkt, es werde regnen.

Question 4

The teacher suggests that we study more.

Answer 4

Der Lehrer schlägt vor, dass wir mehr lernen sollen.

Question 5

They hope you come to the party.

Answer 5

Sie hoffen, dass du zur Party kommst.

Question 6

The report states that the company is profitable.

Answer 6

Der Bericht gibt an, dass das Unternehmen rentabel sei.

Question 7

My friend recommends that I read this book.

Answer 7

Mein Freund empfiehlt, dass ich dieses Buch lesen solle.

Question 8

The rumor is that he will resign.

Answer 8

Das Gerücht ist, dass er zurücktreten werde.

Question 9

The article claims that the climate is changing.

Answer 9

Der Artikel behauptet, dass das Klima sich ändere.

Question 10

The president announces that taxes will be reduced.

Answer 10

Der Präsident verkündet, dass die Steuern gesenkt werden sollen.

Question 11

The doctor advises that you should rest more.

Answer 11

Der Arzt rät, dass du mehr ruhen sollst.

Question 12

The doctor has advised that you should rest.

Answer 12

Der Arzt hat geraten, dass du ruhen sollst.

Question 13

The doctor had advised that you should rest.

Answer 13

Der Arzt hatte geraten, dass du ruhen sollst.

Question 14

ℹ️ Konjunktiv I (Subjunctive I) rules

Answer 14

Konjunktiv I (Subjunctive I) in German is primarily used for indirect speech and follows specific rules for its formation and usage:

1. Formation from Infinitive: For most verbs, Konjunktiv I is formed from the infinitive. The general pattern adds “-e,” “-est,” “-e,” “-en,” “-et,” “-en” to the stem. For example, from “sagen” (to say), the Konjunktiv I forms are “ich sage,” “du sagest,” “er/sie/es sage,” “wir sagen,” “ihr saget,” “sie sagen.”
2. Use in Indirect Speech: It’s primarily used to report someone else’s speech, thoughts, or feelings. It indicates that the statement is not the speaker’s original thought, but a report of someone else’s words.
   • Example: “Er sagt, er sei krank” – “He says he is sick.”
3. Third-Person Singular: If the Konjunktiv I form is identical to the indicative form, especially in the third person singular, Konjunktiv II or a combination of “würde” + infinitive is often used to avoid confusion.
   • For “machen” (to do/make), the third-person singular form in Konjunktiv I is “er mache,” but if this could cause confusion, “er würde machen” may be used instead.
4. Irregular Forms for ‘Sein’ and ‘Haben’: The verbs “sein” (to be) and “haben” (to have) have irregular Konjunktiv I forms: “sein” becomes “sei” and “haben” becomes “habe.”
   • Example: “Sie sagt, sie habe kein Geld” – “She says she has no money.”
5. Modal Verbs: Modal verbs in Konjunktiv I are often used to express necessity or possibility in reported speech.
   • Example: “Er sagt, er müsse gehen” – “He says he must go.”
6. Not Commonly Used in Spoken German: In everyday spoken German, Konjunktiv I is rarely used, except for certain fixed expressions or in formal contexts like news reporting.
7. No Past Tense: Konjunktiv I doesn’t have a past tense. When you need to report past events, you use the present tense form of Konjunktiv I along with the perfect or past perfect tense in the main clause.

These rules guide the usage of Konjunktiv I in German, ensuring clarity, especially in formal writing and reporting.