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     Table of Contents Chapter 19 19.4.3.1 Introductory verb is in present tense
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Chapter 19: Conjunctive, Conditional and Reported speech

  19.4.3.1 Introductory verb is in present tense


In English language it is of importance in which tense the introductory verb is. (not so in German!) Is the introductory verb in present tense then the verbs of the subordinate clauses are unchanged.

  The narrative is at the same time as the event described
He says: "I buy a car." Er sagt: "Ich kaufe mir ein Auto."
He says that he buys a car. Er sagt, dass er sich ein Auto kaufe.

  The narrative is before the event described
He says: "I will buy a car." Er sagt: "Ich werde mir ein Auto kaufen."
He says that he will buy a car. Er sagt, dass er sich ein Auto kaufen würde.

   The narrative is after the event described
He says: "I bought a car." Er sagt: "Ich kaufte mir ein Auto."
He says that he bought a car. Er sagt, dass er sich ein Auto gekauft habe."

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