Deutsche
In English, in more formal situations, we often use indirect questions because they sound more polite.
To make a question more polite we often begin with an indirect question phrase such as:
Example questions :
DIRECT QUESTION : Where is the post office?
INDIRECT QUESTION : Do you know where the post office is?
DIRECT QUESTION : What's the time?
INDIRECT QUESTION : Could you tell me what the time is?
DIRECT QUESTION : Does this train go to Brighton?
INDIRECT QUESTION : Can you tell me if this train goes to Brighton?
DIRECT QUESTION : Is there a bank nearby?
INDIRECT QUESTION : Have you any idea whether there is a bank nearby?
Note for use of indirect questions :
If the direct question begins with an auxiliary verb ( no question word), add 'if' or 'whether' after an indirect question phrase to make the question indirect.
We don't use 'if' or whether with Do you think...?
eg. Do you think he's gone to London? NOT Do you think if he's gone to London?
| Indirect question example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | Weißt du welche Farbe die Verpackung hat? |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | Was meinst du wie viel es kosten würde ein Haus zu mieten? |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | Bedeutet das, dass du eine Provision verlangst? |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | Denkst du wir sollten dafür zahlen? |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | Es ist 7:30 Uhr! Wer meinst du könnte das sein? |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | Denkst du wirklich du möchtest das Problem lösen? |
| Do you think we can find it there? | Denkst du, wir können das dort finden? |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | Hey, denkst du nicht, dass Diego auch mitkommen möchte? |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | Denkst du wir können ihn rauslassen? |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | Denkst du wir sollten uns das nächste Haus ansehen? |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | Ja, ich bin bereit. Denkst du, dass ich eine Jacke brauchen werde? |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | Denkst du wir sollten reservieren? |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | Meinst du ich sollte Pogo aus seiner Box nehmen? |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | Ähm, was meinst du könnte sie ihnen antun? |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | Wie lange denkst du, wird es dauern, bis er fertig ist? |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | Wer möchte das schon? Kannst du mir dann sagen, wo du leben möchtest? |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | Weißt du wo die Küche ist? |
| Do you know what time it is? | Weißt du wie spät es ist? |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | Weißt du wie die Mädels nach Soho kommen? |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | Kannst du mir zuerst sagen, wohin du mich bringst? |
