klar↗A2 grammar topics

A2 · SUPPLEMENTARY GRAMMAR PRACTICE

Indirect questions with ob and question words

An indirect question is embedded inside another sentence. Keep the question word if there is one. For a yes/no question, introduce the embedded clause with ob. Place the finite verb at the end. The punctuation of the whole sentence depends on whether the full sentence is a question or a statement.

Reference

DirectEmbedded
Wann beginnt der Kurs?Ich weiß nicht, wann der Kurs beginnt.
Kommt Anna?Ich frage, ob Anna kommt.

Try four exercises

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1. Ich weiß nicht, wann der Kurs ___.
Answer and explanation

beginnt

Der Kurs takes beginnt at the end of the embedded question.

2. Ich frage, ___ Anna kommt.
Answer and explanation

ob

A reported yes/no question uses ob.

3. Choose the embedded word order.
Answer and explanation

wo er wohnt

The embedded question places wohnt last.

4. Can an indirect question appear inside a polite question?
Answer and explanation

Yes: Können Sie mir sagen, wo er wohnt?

The complete sentence is a question, so it takes a question mark.

Use it yourself

Write or say two new sentences using this pattern. Compare the forms and word order with the reference above.

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