German grammar: Konjunktiv II (Gegenwart)

What this grammar point covers

Konjunktiv II (Gegenwart) is a German verb form used to talk about unreal, hypothetical, or polite situations in the present.

When to use it

Use Konjunktiv II in German to express wishes, unreal or imaginary situations, polite requests, or advice in the present.

Key forms

• würde + Infinitiv (e.g. ich würde gehen)
• Special forms for some verbs: hätte, wäre, könnte, müsste, dürfte, sollte, wollte

Examples

Tips

• For most verbs, use 'würde' + infinitive. For 'haben', 'sein', and modal verbs, use their special forms.
• Don't confuse Konjunktiv II with the simple past (Präteritum).
• The verb changes for Konjunktiv II often have an umlaut (e.g., könnte, hätte).

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some verbs (haben, sein, modal verbs) have special forms and don't use 'würde'.
• Irregular verbs may change their stem or get an umlaut.