Subjunctive II forms of the auxiliaries and modals 1
So far, we have learned and used the indicative – auf deutsch ‘Indikativ’ to make factual statements like
John geht nach Weimar.
Thomas studiert BWL.
In this module, we are learning how to use haben and sein, werden, and the modals in their subjunctive forms and how they are used for polite requests. When we introduced the imperative we already asked you to use the flavoring particles and 'bitte' to make the commands sound more polite. Using the subjunctive forms of the modals and auxiliaries gives you an alternative way to express requests in a polite manner.
Look at the following sentences:
Könnten Sie mir bitte helfen? Could you help me, please.
Ich möchte die Speisekarte, bitte. I would like the menu, please.
Dürfte ich Sie um ein Glas Wasser bitten? May I or might I ask you for a glass of water?
Würden Sie mir bitte ein Glas Wasser bringen? Would you please bring me a glass of water, please?
Ich hätte gern eine Tasse Kaffee, bitte. I would like to have a cup of coffee, please.
As you can see English uses its auxilaries and modals in the same way. There are polite requests in form of questions or statements with the verb in the subjunctive.