What is an indirect question in German?

An indirect question is a polite, embedded question inside another sentence, such as Können Sie mir sagen, wo der Bahnhof ist? Unlike direct questions, indirect questions use subordinate-clause word order , so the verb goes to the end.

When do I use ob instead of a question word?

Use ob for yes/no questions that do not have a W-word. For example, Liebst du mich? becomes Er fragt, ob du ihn liebst.

What is the difference between wenn and ob ?

English often uses “if” for both, but German does not. Use wenn for a condition ( wenn ich Zeit habe ) and ob for whether/if in a yes/no question ( ich weiß nicht, ob er kommt ).

Indirect Questions — Being Polite 🎩🕵️‍♀️

Indirect questions embed a question inside another sentence to sound more polite. They use the question word as a subordinating conjunction, which kicks the verb to the end. Example: 'Wo ist der Bahnhof?' becomes 'Können Sie mir sagen, wo der Bahnhof ist?'.

Infographic explaining Indirect Questions in German and how they push the verb to the end.

A Direct Question is rude and fast.

Wo ist der Bahnhof? (Where is the station?)

An Indirect Question is polite and embedded.

Können Sie mir sagen, wo der Bahnhof ist?
- (Can you tell me, where the station is?)

The Grammar Switch 🔀

Indirect Questions are Subordinate Clauses.
This means the verb moves to the END.

Type 1: W-Questions (Was, Wo, Wer...)

If the direct question has a W-Word, keep it!

Direct: Wann kommt der Zug?
Indirect: Ich weiß nicht, wann der Zug kommt.

Type 2: Yes/No Questions (Ob...)

If the direct question has NO W-Word (starts with a verb), use OB (whether/if).

Direct: Liebst du mich? (Yes/No).
Indirect: Er fragt, ob du ihn liebst.
- (He asks, whether you love him).

[!CAUTION]
Wenn vs Ob (The "If" Trap)
English uses "if" for both. German separates them.

Wenn: Condition. (I come if I have time).

Ob: Yes/No Alternative. (I don't know if he comes).
Test: Can you replace "if" with "whether"? If yes -> Use OB.

Politeness Levels 🎩

Level	German	English
Rude/Direct	Wo ist das Klo?	Where is the loo?
Polite	Entschuldigung, wo ist das Klo?	Excuse me, where is the loo?
Very Polite (Indirect)	Können Sie mir sagen, wo das Klo ist?	Could you tell me where the loo is?
Fancy (Indirect)	Mich würde interessieren, wo sich das WC befindet.	I would be interested to know where the WC is located.

Use Indirect Questions when talking to strangers, authorities, or asking for favors.

Common Intro Phrases

Ich weiß nicht, ...
Können Sie mir sagen, ...
Mich interessiert, ...
Er hat gefragt, ...