Breakdown of Der Vorstand bittet, er möge die Rückmeldung schreiben, weil es wohl lange dauern wird.
er
he
es
it
schreiben
to write
lange
for a long time, long
bitten
to ask, to request
dauern
to last / to take (time)
weil
because (subordinating)
der
who, which, that (relative pronoun; die, das)
werden
will (future auxiliary)
wohl
probably, I suppose
der Vorstand
the board (of directors)
mögen
may / be asked to (in indirect requests)
die Rückmeldung
the feedback
Questions & Answers about Der Vorstand bittet, er möge die Rückmeldung schreiben, weil es wohl lange dauern wird.
Why do we use möge here instead of solle for the reported request?
The verb bitten sets a polite tone. When reporting a polite request or wish, German uses mögen in Konjunktiv I (möge). If the original speaker had given a strict command or order, we would use sollen in Konjunktiv I (solle) instead.
Why is möge in the second position in its clause rather than at the end?
This is a common structure for reported speech. Instead of using a dass clause, which would push the verb to the end (... dass er die Rückmeldung schreiben möge), you can drop the word dass and use standard main clause word order. The Konjunktiv I verb (möge) is enough to signal that it is reported speech.
What does the word wohl add to the meaning of the sentence?
In this context, wohl acts as a modal particle that means 'probably' or 'I suppose'. It shows that the board is making an assumption that the task will take a long time, rather than stating it as a known absolute fact.
Why does the sentence end with dauern wird?
This clause uses the future tense, formed with the infinitive dauern and the conjugated helping verb wird. Because it is a subordinate clause introduced by weil, the conjugated verb (wird) is pushed to the very end of the sentence, immediately following the infinitive.
Learn Der Vorstand bittet, er möge die Rückmeldung schreiben, weil es wohl lange dauern wird and more in German
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free