enthalte

Enthalte is a German verb form derived from the verb enthalten, which means to contain or to comprise. In standard usage, enthalten is the base verb, while enthalte appears in specific grammatical contexts. The form enthalte can be the first-person singular present indicative (ich enthalte) and, identically in writing, the Konjunktiv I form for third-person singular (er enthalte) used in indirect speech. The more common present indicative for “to contain” is enthält (with umlaut) for he, she, it, and enthalten for plural subjects.

In practice, the form enthalte is relatively rare in everyday speech. Its relevance is mostly grammatical or formal: enthalte appears when conveying indirect speech or reported statements via Konjunktiv I, contrasting with the more frequent present indicative forms. The distinction between enthalte (subjunctive or rare indicative form) and enthält (present indicative) is an important nuance for readers and learners of German, especially in written texts.

A common source of confusion is the noun Inhalte, which means contents or subject matter. Although it sounds similar, Inhalte is a different part of speech and is capitalized as a noun in German, whereas enthalte is a verb form. Awareness of this difference helps prevent misreading or mishearing in formal or technical writing.

In summary, enthalte is a specific German verb form tied to enthalten, primarily encountered in indirect speech (Konjunktiv I) or as a rarely used first-person present form, and it should not be confused with the noun Inhalte meaning contents.