Breakdown of Ich schätze, er ist vierzig Jahre alt.
ich
I
sein
to be
alt
old
das Jahr
the year
vierzig
forty
schätzen
to estimate
Questions & Answers about Ich schätze, er ist vierzig Jahre alt.
Why is the verb ist in the second position after the comma instead of at the very end?
Normally, a phrase like Ich schätze is followed by a subordinate clause starting with dass (that), which kicks the verb to the end: Ich schätze, dass er vierzig Jahre alt ist. However, in spoken and informal German, it is very common to drop the word dass. When you drop it, the following clause reverts to normal main-clause word order, so the verb ist stays in the second position.
How does this sentence tie into the current lesson about using müssen and können for assumptions?
Using the verb schätzen (to estimate or guess) is an alternative way to make an assumption. Instead of expressing your guess through a modal verb like Er muss vierzig sein (He must be forty) or Er könnte vierzig sein (He could be forty), this sentence explicitly states that you are estimating.
Can I use schätzen for guessing things other than age?
Yes! You can use schätzen to estimate any numbers, sizes, amounts, or timeframes. It also has a completely different second meaning: to value or appreciate. For example, if you say Ich schätze deine Hilfe, it means 'I appreciate your help'.
Do I always have to include Jahre alt when talking about age?
No, just like in English, you can leave it out when the context makes it obvious. You could simply say Ich schätze, er ist vierzig (I guess he is forty) and native speakers will perfectly understand what you mean.
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