German Grammar Explained - Subjunctive Mood

In this lecture we’ll revise briefly the three moods in German and see when they are typically used.

In this lecture we’ll try to explain what the subjunctive mood is.

In this lecture we’ll introduce Konjunktiv I and Konjunktiv II and see what they are.

The first verb we’re going to see closer to is the verb ‘to be.’ We’ll have a look at the forms of this verb and we’ll see how to use it.

The verb ‘to have’ is also pretty common. So let’s see how to use it in Konjunktiv II. 

Another very frequent use of Konjunktiv II is with modal verbs. Again, let’s see what the forms are and how modal verbs can be used this way.

In this lecture we’ll learn how to make the forms of regular and irregular verbs in Konjunktiv II.

Most irregular verbs do have Konjunktiv II forms but not all of them are used on a regular basis. Actually the number of verbs that are normally used in Konjunktiv II in everyday language is rather limited. In this lecture we’ll see which forms are most commonly used.

The use of simple Konjunktiv II forms is pretty limited. One of the most common constructions that is used instead on many occasions is the one with ‘würde.’

Perfekt forms are forms that use the Konjunktiv II form of the auxiliary verb (‘haben’ or ‘sein’) and the past participle. Let’s see how they are made.

Maybe these forms are not among the ones most frequently used, however, you may come across them from time to time. Why not learn to use them?

To have a clear image of what types of conditional clauses there are, let’s a have a look at them for a start. Then we’ll dive into the particular types to discuss them in more detail.

We use zero conditionals to talk about general conditions that may be fulfilled anytime. The subjunctive mood is not used here, so what should be used? Let’s see.

We do not use the subjunctive mood in the first conditional either. This type is very frequently used, let’s see how.

So, when else should or could we use the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive mood in conditional sentences? Well, we’ll find out in this lecture.

In this lecture we’ll focus on unreal conditions that are not fulfilled in the present. We’ll make use of Konjunktiv II forms.

In this lecture we’ll see what would have happened if something else had happened. In other words we’ll use the pluperfect subjunctive forms to talk about something we can’t influence anyway.

Sometimes both parts of a conditional sentence refer to two different points in time. In this lecture we’ll see how to handle it in the language.

In this lecture we’ll see what auxiliary verbs can be used for unreal conditions. 

Conditional sentences may be reduced, which means an element may be omitted. In this lecture we’ll see how to omit the conjunction ‘wenn.’

Conditional sentences may be extended as well, which means they may use additional words like ‘so’ or ‘dann’. In this lecture we’ll see how it works.

The predominant conditional conjunction, ‘wenn,’ has some drawbacks. One of them is that it’s sometimes ambiguous. In this lecture we’ll see why. Fortunately, there are alternatives that bear no ambiguity and we’ll discuss them next.

The conjunction ‘falls’ is not so commonly used. However, one advantage it has over ‘wenn’ is that it’s unambiguous. Let’s find out how to use it.

In this lecture we’ll talk about constructions that mean ‘assuming that’ or ‘provided that.’ 

In this lecture we’ll get familiar with two more conjunctions that mean ‘provided that,’ and these are ‘sofern’ and ‘soweit.’

How to say ‘even if’ in German? Well, actually there are multiple ways to do it. Let’s see how.

In this lecture we’ll learn how to say ‘unless’ in German. Again, there’s more than one way to do it.

In this lecture we’ll talk about Konjunktiv I. I will tell you what situations it’s mostly used in and I will also tell you why I decided to talk about it only after introducing Konjunktiv II.

In this lecture we’ll see how easy it is to make the simple Konjunktiv I forms. We’ll talk about the verb ‘to be’, and other verbs, both regular and irregular.

It’s only slightly more complicated to make the compound forms of Konjunktiv I. You just have to remember a few rules and that’s it.

Let’s start by revising the topic of direct and indirect speech. How does it work in English? How does it work in German?

One of the most important roles Konjunktiv I plays in the language is that of being the means of making reported statements. So, how and when should we use Konjunktiv I in reported speech? 

We also use Konjunktiv II in reported speech. In this lecture we’ll talk about when it is preferred over Konjunktiv I.

Apart from the subjunctive forms also indicatives may be used in reported speech, especially in everyday language. Let’s see how. 

Also the verb form ‘würde’ is commonly used in reported speech. This is the topic of this lecture. 

We often report questions, both general and specific. In this lecture we’ll talk about how to do it. 

Apart from statements and questions, also commands may be reported. This is the topic of this lecture.