B1 · Mittelstufe Kapitel 17

Respectful Speech and Basic Quotes

4 Gesamtregeln
41 Beispiele
5 Min.
Regeln in diesem Kapitel Schnelle Übung

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of respectful Korean speech and indirect communication with ease.

  • Elevate your subject particles to show deep cultural respect.
  • Identify objects and introduce people using natural quoting patterns.
  • Relay messages and gossip accurately using indirect speech.
Speak with respect, share with confidence.

Was du lernen wirst

Ready to level up your Korean and sound truly natural? This chapter is your secret weapon for navigating conversations with respect and confidence. You’ll dive deep into two essential honorific particles: 께서 (the polite version of 이/가) and 께 (the respectful alternative to 한테). Mastering these isn't just about grammar; it's about showing deep respect to elders, teachers, or your boss – a fundamental part of Korean culture that will instantly make your speech more authentic and appreciated. But we're not stopping there! You’ll also unlock the power of indirect speech. First, with (이)라고 하다, you’ll learn how to smoothly introduce yourself, politely state someone’s role, or name objects in a natural, conversational way. Imagine confidently introducing a new colleague to your Korean friends! Then, we tackle ㄴ/는다고 하다, which lets you report what others have said, thought, or even gossiped about – perfect for sharing stories or recounting advice. By the end, you won't just know the rules; you'll be able to speak with an intermediate fluency that honors Korean customs and makes your interactions richer and more meaningful. Let's make your Korean sound effortlessly polite and expressive!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use honorific particles to address elders and superiors.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Accurately report what others have said in formal contexts.

Kapitel-Leitfaden

Overview

Ready to elevate your Korean grammar and speak with genuine respect and confidence? Welcome to a pivotal B1 chapter that unlocks the nuances of polite and indirect communication. In Korean culture, showing deference is paramount, and mastering honorifics isn't just about grammar rules; it's about connecting authentically.
This chapter introduces you to essential particles like 께서, the polite form of 이/가, and 께, the respectful alternative to 한테/에게. These are your secret weapons for addressing elders, teachers, or superiors, instantly making your speech more natural and appreciated. Beyond honorifics, you'll dive into indirect speech, starting with (이)라고 하다 for smooth introductions and naming, then moving to ㄴ/는다고 하다 to report what others have said or thought.
By the end, you won't just understand these concepts; you'll be able to wield them, transforming your Korean into a more sophisticated and culturally aware form of expression. This is a crucial step in achieving true intermediate fluency.

How This Grammar Works

This chapter introduces four powerful tools to refine your Korean grammar at the B1 level. First up are the honorific particles. 께서 is the honorific subject particle, replacing 이/가 when the subject of your sentence is someone deserving of respect, like an elder, a teacher, or a superior.
For example, instead of «선생님이 오셨어요» (The teacher came), you'd say
선생님께서 오셨어요
(The teacher came, *respectfully*). Similarly, 께 is the honorific dative particle, replacing 한테/에게 when the indirect object of your sentence is someone you want to show respect to. So, you'd say
할머니께 편지를 썼어요
(I wrote a letter to grandmother, *respectfully*), rather than «할머니한테 편지를 썼어요.»
Next, we explore ways to quote and report speech. (이)라고 하다 is a versatile expression used for quoting nouns or introducing names. You attach -이라고 하다 if the noun ends in a consonant (like 선생님이라고 하다 – to be called a teacher) and -라고 하다 if it ends in a vowel (like 김민수라고 하다 – to be called Kim Minsu).
This is perfect for introductions:
저는 제임스라고 합니다
(My name is James). Lastly, ㄴ/는다고 하다 is your go-to for reporting what someone else *said* or *thought* (indirect speech) for verbs and adjectives. The form changes based on the type of word and tense.
For present tense action verbs, use -는다고 하다 (e.g.,
친구가 내일 온다고 했어요
– My friend said they would come tomorrow). For present tense descriptive verbs/adjectives, use -다고 하다 (e.g.,
날씨가 춥다고 합니다
– They say the weather is cold). For past tense, it's -았/었다고 하다 (e.g.,
선생님이 숙제를 다 했다고 하셨어요
– The teacher said they had finished the homework).
Mastering these allows you to share information gracefully.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: «할머니가 오셨어요.»
✓ Correct:
할머니께서 오셨어요.
*Explanation:* When referring to an elder or someone deserving of high respect as the subject of a sentence, you must use the honorific subject particle 께서 instead of the standard 이/가.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: «사장님에게 보고서를 제출했어요.»
✓ Correct:
사장님께 보고서를 제출했어요.
*Explanation:* For the indirect object (the recipient of an action) who is a superior or deserves respect, the honorific dative particle 께 should be used instead of 한테 or 에게.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: «이것은 카메라라고 합니다.»
✓ Correct:
이것은 카메라라고 합니다.
*Explanation:* When using (이)라고 하다 to state what something is called, if the noun ends in a vowel, you attach -라고 하다. If it ends in a consonant, you attach -이라고 하다. In this case, «카메라» ends in a vowel.

Real Conversations

A

A

안녕하세요, 이분은 누구라고 하세요? (Hello, what is this person called?)
B

B

안녕하세요! 이분은 김 선생님이라고 하십니다. 제 한국어 선생님이세요. (Hello! This person is called Teacher Kim. She is my Korean teacher.)
A

A

어머니께서 뭐라고 하셨어요? (What did your mother say?)
B

B

어머니께서 날씨가 많이 춥다고 하셨어요. 따뜻하게 입으래요. (My mother said the weather is very cold. She told me to dress warmly.)
A

A

할아버지께 생신 선물을 드렸어요? (Did you give a birthday present to grandfather?)
B

B

네, 어제 할아버지께 직접 드렸어요. 할아버지께서 정말 좋아하셨어요. (Yes, I gave it to grandfather directly yesterday. Grandfather really liked it.)

Quick FAQ

Q

Can I use 께서 for my friends or younger siblings?

No, 께서 is strictly for individuals you need to show high respect to, such as elders, teachers, or superiors. Using it for friends or younger people would sound unnatural or even sarcastic.

Q

What's the main difference between 한테 and 께?

Both mean to or from (in some contexts), but 께 is the honorific form used when the recipient of the action is someone you respect. 한테 is used for people of equal or lower status, or informally.

Q

How do I use (이)라고 하다 to introduce myself in a formal setting?

You would say

저는 [Your Name]이라고 합니다.
For example,
저는 이민준이라고 합니다.
The -습니다/ㅂ니다 ending makes it formal.

Q

Does ㄴ/는다고 하다 change based on politeness levels?

Yes, the 하다 part of ㄴ/는다고 하다 will change according to the politeness level you're using. For example, «한다고 해요» (polite), «한다고 합니다» (formal polite), «한다고 해» (informal). The reported part (ㄴ/는다고) remains the same.

Cultural Context

Mastering honorifics like 께서 and 께, alongside indirect speech, is foundational for navigating Korean social dynamics. In a culture deeply rooted in hierarchy and respect for elders and authority, using these forms correctly is not just good Korean grammar; it's a sign of good manners and cultural understanding. Failing to use honorifics when appropriate can be perceived as rude or disrespectful, while using them correctly instantly builds rapport.
Indirect speech (ㄴ/는다고 하다, (이)라고 하다) also plays a role in softening statements or relaying information without being overly direct, which can be a valuable communication strategy in many situations. It demonstrates a level of social awareness that will make your interactions richer and more meaningful.

Wichtige Beispiele (8)

1

`할머니께서` 공원에 가세요.

Großmutter geht in den Park.

Höfliche Subjekte: 께서 (die respektvolle Version von 이/가)
2

`선생님께서` 숙제를 내주셨어요.

Der Lehrer hat uns Hausaufgaben gegeben.

Höfliche Subjekte: 께서 (die respektvolle Version von 이/가)
3

I wrote a letter to my grandmother.

Ich habe meiner Oma einen Brief geschrieben.

Honorifik-Partikel 'An' (께)
4

I sent the report to the CEO.

Ich habe dem Chef den Bericht geschickt.

Honorifik-Partikel 'An' (께)
5

제 이름은 `지민이라고 해요`.

Mein Name ist Jimin.

Vorstellungen & Substantive zitieren (이/라고 하다)
6

이 음식은 `비빔밥이라고 합니다`.

Dieses Essen heißt Bibimbap.

Vorstellungen & Substantive zitieren (이/라고 하다)
7

민수는 오늘 바쁘다고 해요.

Minsu sagt, dass er heute beschäftigt ist.

Indirekte Rede: 'Er sagte, dass...' (ㄴ/는다고 하다)
8

제니가 한국에 간다고 했어요.

Jennie sagte, dass sie nach Korea geht.

Indirekte Rede: 'Er sagte, dass...' (ㄴ/는다고 하다)

Tipps & Tricks (4)

⚠️

Die Selbst-Höflichkeits-Falle

Benutz niemals 께서 nach deinem eigenen Namen oder 나/저. Das klingt extrem arrogant, als würdest du dich wie ein König fühlen: «나께서 밥을 먹어요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Höfliche Subjekte: 께서 (die respektvolle Version von 이/가)
💡

Das perfekte Verb-Match

Wenn du 께 benutzt, sollte dein Gehirn sofort nach dem passenden bescheidenen Verb suchen. Sie sind ein Package Deal: «선생님께 선물을 드렸어요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Honorifik-Partikel 'An' (께)
🎯

Stell dich wie ein Native vor

Obwohl '제 이름은 X예요' okay ist, klingt '제 이름은 X라고 해요' in sozialen Situationen viel bescheidener und natürlicher. Probier es mal aus: «제 이름은 민수라고 해요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Vorstellungen & Substantive zitieren (이/라고 하다)
🎯

Die '대요' Abkürzung

In 90% der echten Gespräche kürzen Koreaner 'ㄴ/는다고 해요' zu 'ㄴ/는대요' ab. Das klingt viel nativer und spart Zeit: «민수가 바쁘대요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Indirekte Rede: 'Er sagte, dass...' (ㄴ/는다고 하다)

Wichtige Vokabeln (5)

선생님 (seonsaengnim) teacher 말씀하시다 (malsseumhasida) to speak (honorific) 이름 (ireum) name 드리다 (deurida) to give (honorific) 전하다 (jeonhada) to relay/convey

Real-World Preview

graduation-cap

Meeting the Professor

Review Summary

  • Noun + 께서
  • Noun + 께
  • Noun + (이)라고 하다
  • Verb + ㄴ/는다고 하다

Häufige Fehler

You must use the honorific subject particle 께서 when the subject is a superior.

Wrong: 선생님이가 오셨어요.
Richtig: 선생님께서 오셨어요.

Use 께 and the honorific verb 드리다 for superiors.

Wrong: 사장님한테 서류를 줬어요.
Richtig: 사장님께 서류를 드렸어요.

Remember to use polite endings when reporting speech in formal settings.

Wrong: 그는 간다고 말했다.
Richtig: 그가 간다고 했습니다.

Next Steps

You are doing incredible work. Keep practicing these honorifics and you will sound like a native in no time!

Practice introducing family members to a mock-teacher.

Continue to: Relaying Complex Messages and Rumors

Schnelle Übung (10)

Welcher Satz berichtet korrekt: 'Das Essen ist scharf'?

Wähle den grammatikalisch richtigen Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 음식이 맵다고 해요.
맵다 (scharf sein) ist ein Adjektiv, daher wird 다고 direkt angehängt.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Indirekte Rede: 'Er sagte, dass...' (ㄴ/는다고 하다)

Finde den unnatürlichen Ausdruck.

Find and fix the mistake:

부모님한테 선물을 줬어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 부모님께 선물을 드렸어요.
Nutze '께' für Eltern UND ändere '줬어요' (gab) zum bescheidenen '드렸어요' (bot an).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Honorifik-Partikel 'An' (께)

Finde und korrigiere den Fehler in diesem Satz über deine eigene Handlung.

Find and fix the mistake:

나께서 학교에 가요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 내가 학교에 가요.
Benutz niemals 께서 für dich selbst. Nutze 이/가 (oder 은/는).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Höfliche Subjekte: 께서 (die respektvolle Version von 이/가)

Welcher Satz nutzt die Höflichkeitsformen korrekt?

Wähle den respektvollsten Satz, um zu sagen, dass dein Lehrer kommt:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 선생님께서 오셨어요.
Du musst sowohl den Partikel 께서 als auch die Verbendung -(으)시- (오셨어요) nutzen, damit der Satz komplett höflich ist.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Höfliche Subjekte: 께서 (die respektvolle Version von 이/가)

Finde und korrigiere den Fehler im Satz.

저는 미국 사람라고 해요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 저는 미국 사람이라고 해요.
'사람' endet auf einen Konsonanten (ㅁ), daher wird '이라고' benötigt.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Vorstellungen & Substantive zitieren (이/라고 하다)

Fülle die Lücke aus: 'Er sagt, er lernt gerade.'

그가 지금 공부___ 해요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 한다고
공부하다 ist ein Aktionsverb, das auf einen Vokal endet, also nimmt es ㄴ다고.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Indirekte Rede: 'Er sagte, dass...' (ㄴ/는다고 하다)

Fülle die Lücke mit der richtigen Form von 이/라고 하다 aus.

제 친구 이름은 '유나'___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 라고 해요
'유나' endet auf einen Vokal, daher nutzen wir '라고 해요'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Vorstellungen & Substantive zitieren (이/라고 하다)

Welcher Satz ist grammatikalisch korrekt?

Wähle den richtigen Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 이것은 사과라고 합니다.
'사과' endet auf einen Vokal, also ist '라고' das richtige Partikel.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Vorstellungen & Substantive zitieren (이/라고 하다)

Wähle die höflichste Option aus.

Welcher Satz ist angemessen, wenn du mit deinem Chef sprichst?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 사장님께 이메일 보냈습니다.
Bei einem Chef (사장님) musst du die Höflichkeitspartikel '께' und eine höfliche Verbendung nutzen.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Honorifik-Partikel 'An' (께)

Finde den Fehler im Bericht für 'Ich bin ein Schüler' (학생).

친구가 학생라고 해요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 친구가 학생이라고 해요.
Bei Nomen, die auf einen Konsonanten enden wie 학생, musst du 이라고 nutzen.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Indirekte Rede: 'Er sagte, dass...' (ㄴ/는다고 하다)

Score: /10

Häufige Fragen (6)

Meistens ja. Aber es wird auch für Leute mit hohem beruflichen Status genutzt, egal wie alt sie sind, wie ein junger CEO: «사장님께서 말씀하셨어요.»
In modernen Familien reicht 이/가 meist aus. 께서 für Geschwister ist sehr selten, außer in extrem traditionellen Familien: «형께서 오셨어요.»
Eher nicht. Bei Geschwistern bleibst du meistens bei «한테» oder «형/언니한테». «께» ist für das nächste Level an Respekt reserviert, wie «부모님께» (an die Eltern).
Nein, es ist auch beim Sprechen total üblich! Anders als «에게», das gesprochen oft steif klingt, ist «께» das Standardwort, um Älteren Respekt zu zeigen.
Ja, absolut! Besonders bei Vorstellungen ist es der Standardweg zu sagen: 'Ich heiße [Name]'. Es ist etwas förmlicher als das einfache '-(이)에요'. Beispiel: «제 이름은 민수라고 해요.»
In der Umgangssprache wird '이라고 해' oft zu '이래' oder '라는데' verkürzt. Zum Beispiel: «친구가 선생님이래» (Ein Freund sagt, er sei Lehrer).
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Relaying Complex Messages and Rumors
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