CH 14 [13] - Final Remarks on the Use of the Indicative and Subjunctive in Indirect Discourse
1. Informal indirect discourse is expressed in the indicative when the one providing the account has no doubt about the validity of what is reported. The GENERAL SUBJUNCTIVE is used in cautious reporting, usually when the speaker has reservations of what he/she is saying.
2. In formal German, the subjunctive is normally required for indirect discourse. The SPECIAL SUBJUNCTIVE is used unless it is identical to the indicative, in which case the GENERAL SUBJUNCTIVE is substituted.
The special subjunctive is found chiefly in formal indirect discourse. Otherwise it is rarely used.
Other uses of the Special Subjunctive
The following phrases and expressions should simply be studied by heart!
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