what is it?
An indirect question is a question embedded inside a main clause — for example, after verbs like wissen, fragen, or sagen. Instead of standing alone as a direct question, the question becomes a subordinate clause. Yes/no questions are introduced by the conjunction ob («whether»), and information questions keep their W-word (e.g. wo, wann, wie lange) as the subordinating element. In both cases the finite verb moves to the end of the embedded clause.
when to use it?
Reporting or asking about unknown information. Use an indirect question whenever you relay a question rather than ask it directly: Ich weiß nicht, wo er wohnt.
Polite requests for information. Embedding a question softens a request: Können Sie mir sagen, wann der Zug kommt?
After verbs and phrases of knowing, saying, asking, or wondering. Common triggers: wissen, sagen, fragen, verstehen, keine Ahnung haben.
formation
The main clause ends with a comma. The embedded clause opens with ob (yes/no) or the relevant W-word (information question), followed by the rest of the clause, with the finite verb at the very end.
| question type | connector | word order in embedded clause | example |
|---|---|---|---|
| yes/no question | ob | subject + other elements + verb-final | ob er heute kommt |
| information question | W-word (wo, wann, wie lange …) | W-word + subject + other elements + verb-final | wie lange die Fahrt dauert |
The verb-final rule applies to all tenses and to modal constructions. With a modal verb, both the modal and the infinitive go to the end: Ich weiß nicht, ob er kommen kann.
examples in context
common pitfalls
Using «wenn» instead of «ob» for «whether».
«Wenn» means «when» or «if» (conditional); it cannot introduce an indirect yes/no question. Use ob for «whether».
Incorrect: Ich weiß nicht, wenn er kommt.
Correct: Ich weiß nicht, ob er kommt.
Keeping direct-question word order in the embedded clause.
In a direct question the verb comes immediately after the W-word. In an indirect question the verb must go to the end — do not carry over the inverted order.
Incorrect: Können Sie mir sagen, wie lange dauert die Fahrt?
Correct: Können Sie mir sagen, wie lange die Fahrt dauert?
Three sentences, graded here. Nothing is saved and no account is needed.
Ich möchte wissen, wann der nächste Bus ___.
Fill in the blank with the correct word to complete the sentence.