Konjunktiv I
- Konjunktiv I is a grammatical form mainly used in indirect speech (Indirekte Rede), commands, and certain special constructions.
- Konjunktiv I is commonly seen in journalism, official documents, or indirect quotations.
1. How to form Konjunktiv I in the present tense (Präsens)
Konjunktiv I is formed from the verb stem (Infinitiv) with some changes in verb endings.
Verbstamm + -e, -est, -e, -en, -et, -en
Conjugation table of "sein" (to be) in Konjunktiv I:
| Person | Konjunktiv I (sein) |
|---|---|
| Ich | sei |
| Du | seiest |
| Er/sie/es | sei |
| Wir | seien |
| Ihr | seiet |
| Sie/sie | seien |
Conjugation table of a regular verb ("machen") in Konjunktiv I:
| Person | machen (to do/make) |
|---|---|
| Ich | mache |
| Du | machest |
| Er/sie/es | mache |
| Wir | machen |
| Ihr | machet |
| Sie/sie | machen |
Note:
- Konjunktiv I differs from the present tense (Präsens) only in the "er/sie/es" form.
- Regular verbs keep the stem for most forms.
- Konjunktiv I is mainly used in indirect speech (Indirekte Rede).
Examples:
-
Er sagt, er sei müde. (He says that he is tired.)
-
Sie meint, sie habe keine Zeit. (She thinks that she has no time.)
2. How to form Konjunktiv I in the past tense (Perfekt)
It is formed with the auxiliary verb "haben" or "sein" in Konjunktiv I + Participle II.
habe/sei + Participle II
Examples:
-
Er sagt, er habe gearbeitet. (He says that he has worked.)
-
Sie sagt, sie sei nach Berlin gefahren. (She says that she has gone to Berlin.)
Note:
- "Haben" is used with most verbs.
- "Sein" is used with verbs of movement or change of state.
3. How to form Konjunktiv I in the future tense (Futur I & Futur II)
Konjunktiv I can also be used to express future events.
🔹 3.1. Future tense I (Futur I)
werde + Infinitiv
Example:
- Er sagt, er werde kommen. (He says that he will come.)
🔹 3.2. Future tense II (Futur II - Action completed in the future)
werde + Participle II + haben/sein
Example:
- Er sagt, er werde die Arbeit beendet haben. (He says that he will have finished the work.)
Note:
- Use "haben" or "sein" depending on the main verb.
- Often seen in official documents or journalism.
4. How to form Konjunktiv I in command form (Imperativ mit Konjunktiv I)
Konjunktiv I can replace the imperative in formal style or official documents.
Subject + Konjunktiv I (3rd person singular or plural)
Examples:
- Er gehe sofort nach Hause! (Let him go home immediately!)
- Es lebe der König! (Long live the king!)
Note:
- This structure often appears in formal texts or slogans.
- Not common in everyday conversation.
5. How to form Konjunktiv I in questions (Fragen mit Konjunktiv I)
Konjunktiv I can be used in indirect questions, especially in polite style.
Examples:
- Wissen Sie, wann er komme? (Do you know when he is coming?)
- Könnten Sie mir sagen, wo die Post sei? (Could you tell me where the post office is?)
Note:
- This form makes the question more formal.
🎯 6. Summary: Important notes
| Tense | Formula |
|---|---|
| Present (Präsens) | Konjunktiv I of verb (e.g. sei, habe, mache) |
| Past (Perfekt) | habe/sei + Participle II |
| Future I (Futur I) | werde + Infinitive |
| Future II (Futur II) | werde + Participle II + haben/sein |
| Command (Imperativ) | Konjunktiv I of verb (e.g. Er gehe, Es lebe der König!) |
| Question (Fragen) | Wissen Sie, wann er komme? |