FrageObSatz

FrageObSatz is a term used in German grammar to denote a subordinate clause that expresses an indirect yes–no question and is introduced by the conjunction ob. It typically functions as the object or complement of a main clause, as in "Ich weiß nicht, ob er kommt." This construction is a type of indirekter Fragesatz.

In a FrageObSatz the verb of the subordinate clause remains at the end, as in other dependent clauses. Depending on tense and modality, the final element can be a finite verb such as kommt, hat gekommen, or wird. Examples include: "Ich frage mich, ob er heute kommt." "Sie zweifelt, ob er es geschafft hat." "Wir prüfen, ob er kommen wird." When negated: "Ich frage mich, ob er nicht kommt." A comma separates the main clause from the ob-clause.

Usage notes: FrageObSatz occurs after verbs such as wissen, fragen, bezweifeln, hoffen, sagen, hören, merken. It expresses uncertainty or inquiry about the truth of a proposition, rather than producing a direct question with direct intonation. It is distinct from W‑Sätze (Fragewörter), which report an indirect question using a question word like wer, wann, wie.

Variants: Some grammars distinguish "Frage-Ob-Satz" or simply "Ob-Satz" for yes–no indirect questions, while others refer to "indirekter Fragesatz" more generally.

Examples: "Ich weiß nicht, ob er kommt." "Kannst du mir sagen, ob sie schon angekommen ist?" "Sie fragt sich, ob er den Termin wahrnehmen wird."