Breakdown of Der Techniker ist imstande, die Lüftung zu reparieren, sonst drohen wir zu ersticken.
sein
to be
wir
we
reparieren
to repair
der Techniker
the technician
zu
to (infinitive marker)
sonst
otherwise, or else
drohen
to threaten (with consequences or impending danger)
imstande
able / capable
die Lüftung
the ventilation
ersticken
to suffocate
Questions & Answers about Der Techniker ist imstande, die Lüftung zu reparieren, sonst drohen wir zu ersticken.
How does imstande sein compare to just using können here?
imstande sein (to be capable or in a position to do something) is a more formal and elevated way of expressing ability than the modal verb können. You will often see it in written German, professional contexts, or when emphasizing that someone has the specific capacity to complete a task. Note that it requires a zu + infinitive clause (die Lüftung zu reparieren), whereas können takes a bare infinitive (die Lüftung reparieren).
Why is there a comma before die Lüftung?
The comma separates the main clause (Der Techniker ist imstande) from the extended infinitive clause (die Lüftung zu reparieren). In German, you generally must use a comma when the infinitive phrase contains additional elements, such as an object (die Lüftung), to make the sentence structure clear.
I usually translate drohen as 'to threaten'. Why does the English translation say 'we are in danger of'?
When drohen is followed by a zu + infinitive clause, it often takes on a modal-like meaning to express a looming negative consequence or danger. Instead of 'we threaten to suffocate' (which sounds like an intentional threat), it translates much more naturally to 'we are in danger of suffocating' or 'we risk suffocating'.
Why is the word order sonst drohen wir and not sonst wir drohen?
sonst (otherwise) is an adverb, not a coordinating conjunction like und or aber. Because it occupies the first position in the second main clause, the conjugated verb (drohen) must immediately follow it in the second position, pushing the subject (wir) to the third position.
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