21.15. German Verb Conjugation: Subjunctive Verbs

Verb conjugation is a fundamental part of any language learning process. In German, verb conjugation can seem a bit tricky at first, but with practice and understanding, it gets easier. In this chapter, we will focus on the conjugation of verbs in the German subjunctive, also known as Konjunktiv.

What is the Subjunctive?

The subjunctive, or Konjunktiv in German, is a verb mood used to express uncertainty, doubt, possibility, necessity, desire, or hypothetical action. In German, there are two types of subjunctive: Konjunktiv I and Konjunktiv II.

Konjunktiv I

Konjunktiv I is mainly used to indirectly report someone else's speech. To form Konjunktiv I, we start with the infinitive form of the verb and add the specific subjunctive endings.

For example, the verb "sagen" (to say) in Konjunktiv I is conjugated as follows:

• Ich sage (I say)
• Du sagest (You say)
• Er/sie/es sage (He/she says)
• Wir sagen (We say)
• Ihr saget (You say)
• Sie/sie sagen (They/they say)

Konjunktiv II

Konjunktiv II is used to express hypothetical actions, unfulfilled desires, or to make suggestions. To form Konjunktiv II, we use the simple past tense of the verb and add the specific subjunctive endings.

For example, the verb "gehen" (to go) in Konjunktiv II is conjugated as follows:

• Ich ginger (I would)
• Du gingest (You would go)
• Er/sie/es ginger (He/she would go)
• Wir gingen (We would go)
• Ihr ginget (You would go)
• Sie/sie gingen (They/they would)

Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs in German also follow the rules of Konjunktiv I and II, but may have some changes in the verb stem. For example, the verb "sehen" (to see) becomes "sähe" in Konjunktiv II.

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs in German, such as "können" (can), "müssen" (ought), "wollen" (want), and "sollen" (ought), can also be used in the subjunctive. They follow the same conjugation rules as other verbs, but can also have some stem changes.

For example, "können" becomes "könnte" in Konjunktiv II:

• Ich könnte (I could)
• Du könntest (You could)
• Er/sie/es könnte (He/she could)
• Wir könnten (We could)
• Ihr könntet (You could)
• Sie/sie könnten (They/they could)

In summary, German subjunctive verb conjugation is an essential part of learning the language. Although it may seem complicated at first, with practice and understanding you will be able to master this complex part of German grammar.

Keep practicing and you'll soon be comfortable using the subjunctive in German. Remember, practice makes perfect!