Indirect questions with "ob"
When you report a yes/no question instead of asking it directly, or politely ask for information (like "Do you know if..."), you use an indirect question. In English, we use "if" or "whether". In German, these clauses are introduced by the word ob.
| whether / if | ob |
Word order
An indirect question is a subordinate clause. It is always separated from the main clause by a comma. Just like with other subordinating conjunctions (like dass or weil), ob sends the conjugated verb to the very end of its clause.
| The scientist asks me if I like to research. | Der Wissenschaftler fragt mich, ob ich gern forsche. |
If the verb at the end of the clause is a separable verb, its prefix stays attached to the main verb stem instead of splitting off.
| Do you know if the experiment takes place in the laboratory? | Weißt du, ob das Experiment im Labor stattfindet? |
Checking facts and expressing uncertainty
Using ob is extremely common when checking facts, running experiments, or forming scientific hypotheses. It pairs perfectly with verbs like fragen (to ask), prüfen (to check), and wissen (to know).
| We are checking whether the result is correct. | Wir prüfen, ob das Ergebnis richtig ist. |
| The doctor checks whether the new method is dangerous. | Der Arzt prüft, ob die neue Methode gefährlich ist. |
| We always check whether there is a risk. | Wir prüfen immer, ob es ein Risiko gibt. |
