One introduction, a whole paragraph
Once a source is named, German can keep reporting it in independent main clauses, without a new sagt or dass. The Konjunktiv I alone tells the reader: this is still the source talking, not you. English cannot do that with grammar, so it keeps adding she argues, according to the authors or the study claims.
A summary in three sentences
Die Autorin argumentiert, das Homeoffice habe die Produktivität nicht gesenkt.
The author argues that working from home has not reduced productivity.
the source is introduced
Viele Beschäftigte könnten sich zu Hause sogar besser konzentrieren.
Many employees, she says, can even concentrate better at home.
sie können would look like the Indikativ, so the Konjunktiv II steps in; still her claim
Problematisch sei allerdings der fehlende Austausch im Team.
What is problematic, in her view, is the lack of exchange within teams.
no new reporting verb needed
The reporting verb shows your stance
The verb that introduces the source is your comment on it. Some verbs signal that you accept the content; these usually take the Indikativ. Others report a claim neutrally or with doubt; these take the Konjunktiv I. English makes the same choice with show against claim.
Reporting verbs by stance
| Stance | Verbs | Usual mood |
|---|---|---|
| you treat it as fact | zeigen, belegen, nachweisen | Indikativ |
| you report it | erklären, betonen, hervorheben, zu dem Ergebnis kommen | Konjunktiv I |
| the source admits a weakness | einräumen, zugeben | Konjunktiv I |
| you keep your distance | behaupten, vorgeben | Konjunktiv I |
Die Studie zeigt, dass Bewegung das Risiko senkt.
The study shows that exercise lowers the risk.
you accept the finding
Der Hersteller behauptet, das Mittel senke das Risiko.
The manufacturer claims the product lowers the risk.
you report a claim and keep your distance
laut, zufolge, nach Angaben
Instead of a reporting verb you can name the source with a preposition. Because the source is already explicit, the Indikativ is common after these, especially in the news. The Konjunktiv I adds an extra layer of distance.
Laut Bericht sei die Zahl der Anträge um zwölf Prozent gestiegen.
According to the report, the number of applications has risen by twelve per cent.
laut + noun, often without an article
Dem Gutachten zufolge ist das Gebäude nicht mehr sicher.
According to the expert report, the building is no longer safe.
zufolge follows its noun, which is in the Dativ
Nach Angaben der Polizei wurde niemand verletzt.
According to the police, nobody was injured.
Wie die Autoren zeigen, hängt der Erfolg stark vom Alter ab.
As the authors show, success depends strongly on age.
a wie clause marks agreement and takes the Indikativ
