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The special subjunctive - function

The special subjunctive is used primarily in written and oral news reports for indirect quotes (1). It also appears in directives or expressions of good will (2).

1) Der Politiker sagte, er sei nicht mit dem Gesetz zufrieden, aber er habe doch dafür gestimmt.
2) Lang lebe der König!
The politician said he wasn't satisfied with the law, but he had voted for it anyway.
Long live the king!

 

 

© 1997 by Gary Smith