What is Direct Speech?

Direct speech is when you repeat exactly what someone said. You use quotation marks to show this.

Example of Direct Speech:

• Hij zei: “Ik ga naar de winkel.” (He said: “I am going to the store.”)

What is Indirect Speech?

Indirect speech is when you tell someone what someone else said, without using their exact words. You do not use quotation marks.

Example of Indirect Speech:

• Hij zei dat hij naar de winkel ging. (He said that he was going to the store.)

How to Change from Direct to Indirect Speech:

When changing from direct to indirect speech, keep these points in mind:

• Time words may change. (e.g., ‘nu’ becomes ‘toen’)
• You may have to change the verb tense.

Practice:

Try to make your own sentences using both direct and indirect speech!