Clarify an information gap with indirect questions
Ein Gespräch durch gezielte Rückfragen klären
Choose ob or a question word, preserve the missing detail and confirm understanding without presupposing an answer.
Indirect questions fit a question inside another clause. Use ob for an unresolved yes/no issue: Könnten Sie erläutern, ob die Teilnahme freiwillig ist? Use a question word for a missing detail: Ich möchte wissen, wie lange das Gespräch dauert. The finite verb goes at the end of the embedded question. Ob does not mean wenn: it asks whether something is true rather than stating a condition. Könnten Sie … softens the request but should not make it vague. A check such as Habe ich Sie richtig verstanden, dass …? offers your interpretation for confirmation; it does not itself prove agreement. Ask one relevant question at a time and distinguish answered questions from points still open.
Könnten Sie mir sagen, ob ein Onlinegespräch möglich ist?
Could you tell me whether an online conversation is possible?
Ich möchte wissen, wie sich ein Termin verschieben lässt.
I would like to know how an appointment can be rescheduled.
Auf dem Aushang steht, dass die Teilnahme freiwillig ist.
The notice says that participation is voluntary.
Habe ich Sie richtig verstanden, dass das Gespräch fünfundzwanzig Minuten dauert?
Have I understood you correctly that the conversation lasts twenty-five minutes?
Zur Vorbereitung brauche ich noch eine organisatorische Auskunft.
I still need one organizational detail to prepare.
Diese Frage setzt keine bestimmte Antwort voraus.
This question does not presuppose a particular answer.
Indirect questions fit a question inside another clause. Use ob for an unresolved yes/no issue: Könnten Sie erläutern, ob die Teilnahme freiwillig ist? Use a question word for a missing detail: Ich möchte wissen, wie lange das Gespräch dauert. The finite verb goes at the end of the embedded question. Ob does not mean wenn: it asks whether something is true rather than stating a condition. Könnten Sie … softens the request but should not make it vague. A check such as Habe ich Sie richtig verstanden, dass …? offers your interpretation for confirmation; it does not itself prove agreement. Ask one relevant question at a time and distinguish answered questions from points still open.
Choose ob or a question word, preserve the missing detail and confirm understanding without presupposing an answer.
Do not ask when a guaranteed result will occur if the source has not promised any result. The wording of a question can smuggle in an unsupported assumption.
Yes/no gap → ob. Missing detail → wie, wann, wer or another relevant question word. Put the embedded finite verb last.
Write a 180–220-word German enquiry about a fictional discussion service: a poster says appointments last 25 minutes and are voluntary; it gives no detail about online access or rescheduling. Ask two indirect questions, summarize what is known and confirm your understanding without asking for or supplying real health data.