Distinguishing types of indirect questions in German

With the use of indirect questions (Indirekte Fragen) in German, we can ask for information indirectly. In addition, indirect questions are also used to express a polite, formal attitude. There are two types of indirect questions that we commonly encounter: indirect questions in the form of Ja/Nein_Fragen and indirect questions in the form of W_Fragen. In today's article, we will together distinguish the types of indirect questions in German.

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1. An indirect question is a special type of question. Indirect questions generally consist of 2 parts: the main clause (Hauptsatz) and the subordinate clause (Nebensatz), separated from each other by a comma.

2. Using punctuation in indirect questions

- Whether to use "?" or "." at the end of an indirect question depends on whether the main clause is a question or a declarative sentence:

• If the main clause (Hauptsatz) is a question (the verb stands in first position) then the indirect question will end with a "?" at the end of the sentence.

Kannst du mir sagen, ob ich Hausaufgaben machen muss?(You can tell me whether I have to do the homework or not?)

→ The main clause "Kannst du mir sagen" has the verb in position 1 → the main clause is a question, so the indirect question will end with a "?"

• If the main clause is a declarative sentence (verb in position 2), the indirect question will end with a "." at the end of the sentence.

      * Ich würde gerne wissen, wo man diese Bücher kaufen kann.* 
  

(I would like to know where one can buy these books.)

→ The main clause "Ich würde gerne wissen" has the verb in position 2 → the main clause is an affirmative sentence, so the indirect question will end with a "."

3. Common main clauses (Hauptsatz):

- Ich würde gern(e) wissen, …………

- Ich wüsste gern,............

- Können Sie mir sagen/Kannst du mir sagen,...........

- Wissen Sie/Weißt du,............

- Ich weiß nicht mehr,......

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