Indirect Speech in German – Learn How Indirekte Rede Works

Key takeaways

• Indirect speech in German (indirekte Rede) helps you report what someone said without repeating exact words.
• German indirect speech often uses the subjunctive (Konjunktiv I) to show distance or uncertainty.
• You can follow simple patterns to turn direct statements into calm, clear reported forms.
• With steady practice, indirect speech becomes a natural part of storytelling and daily communication.

Indirect speech in German helps you share information someone else said in a smooth and natural way. Instead of repeating exact phrases, you create safe distance through simple structures. This form appears in news, interviews, messages, and everyday chats. If you want patient guidance, you can explore learn German and practice step by step.

What is indirect speech in German?

Indirect speech — indirekte Rede — reports another person’s words in a softer, more neutral way. You do not quote them directly. Instead, you adjust the verb and remove quotation marks.

English example:

Direct: “I am tired.”

Indirect: He says that he is tired.

German example:

Direct: „Ich bin müde.“

Indirect: Er sagt, er sei müde.

Why Germans use indirect speech

Indirekte Rede helps you:

• report statements politely
• show distance from the speaker
• avoid judging the truth of the message
• summarize long conversations
• follow news reports and interviews

You see it often in formal writing and calm reporting.

How indirect speech works in German

German uses Konjunktiv I (subjunctive I) to show indirect speech. If the Konjunktiv I form looks the same as the normal present tense, Germans switch to Konjunktiv II for clarity.

Example with sein:

• ich sei
• du sei(e)st
• er/sie/es sei
• wir seien
• ihr seiet
• sie seien

Example sentence:

Sie sagt, er sei freundlich.

She says he is friendly.

Using “dass” in indirect speech

Many sentences include dass (that). This makes the structure easier for learners:

Er sagt, dass er später kommt.

He says that he will come later.

This form works well in casual conversations.

Changing direct to indirect speech

You can follow a simple pattern:

1. Remove quotation marks.

2. Adjust pronouns.

3. Move the verb to the Konjunktiv form.

4. Add *dass* if you want a clear structure.

Direct: „Ich habe Hunger.“

Indirect: Er sagt, er habe Hunger.

Direct: „Wir kommen morgen.“

Indirect: Sie sagen, sie kämen morgen.

Pronoun changes in indirect speech

Pronouns shift depending on who speaks:

• „Ich bin glücklich.“ → Er sagt, er sei glücklich.
• „Wir lernen Deutsch.“ → Sie sagen, sie lernten Deutsch.

These changes help you report the message correctly.

Tense patterns in German indirect speech

German indirect speech usually keeps the original tense. The focus is not on time changes but on grammatical mood.

Examples:

Direct: „Ich lerne Deutsch.“

Indirect: Er sagt, er lerne Deutsch.

Direct: „Ich habe das Buch gelesen.“

Indirect: Sie sagt, sie habe das Buch gelesen.

Indirect questions

When reporting a question, use ob (if/whether) or a question word:

Direct: „Kommst du?“

Indirect: Er fragt, ob ich komme.

Direct: „Wann beginnt der Kurs?“

Indirect: Sie fragt, wann der Kurs beginne.

Tips for practicing indirect speech in German

Try these simple steps:

• Start with short, clear sentences.
• Practice with sein, haben, and common verbs.
• Add *dass* for extra structure.
• Read news snippets and look for Konjunktiv I patterns.
• Rewrite direct quotes from books or chats.

These habits build slow and steady confidence.

Learn indirect speech with friendly support on Promova

Promova gives you a warm, structured way to train indirect speech. You can explore short examples, practice with simple Konjunktiv forms, and follow guided sentences. Each exercise stays beginner-friendly while helping you grow at a comfortable pace.

Final thoughts on indirect speech in German

Indirect speech helps you share messages calmly and clearly. With clean structures and simple patterns, you can report statements, questions, and ideas with ease. Step-by-step practice makes this form feel natural over time.

FAQ

What is indirect speech in German?

Indirect speech (indirekte Rede) reports what someone said without quoting them. German uses Konjunktiv I to show this distance. It appears in news, summaries, and everyday communication.

Is Konjunktiv I always required?

Konjunktiv I is the standard form. If it looks identical to the present tense, Germans often switch to Konjunktiv II for clarity. This helps avoid confusion.

Do I always need “dass” in indirect speech?

No, but it helps beginners follow the structure. You can say:

Er sagt, dass er komme.

or simply

Er sagt, er komme.

How can I practice indirect speech effectively?

Rewrite direct quotes into reported forms, listen to news reports, and train Konjunktiv I endings. Short, repeated exercises help you learn calmly and naturally.