Keep an existing question word
A direct question beginning with wo, wann or warum keeps that word when embedded in another sentence. Its internal word order changes.
Kannst du sagen, wo der Eingang ist?
Can you say where the entrance is?
Use ob for yes/no content
If the underlying question can be answered yes or no, introduce it with ob. This leaves the answer open rather than asserting that the event happens.
Ich weiß nicht, ob Nora heute arbeitet.
I do not know whether Nora is working today.
A condition needs a different relationship
Conditional wenn makes one event depend on another. Ob embeds an open question. Decide which relationship you mean before choosing the connector.
Wenn Nora kommt, machen wir eine Pause.
If Nora comes, we will take a break.
Close the clause with its finite verb
With a modal, the action infinitive precedes the conjugated modal. A separable present verb is joined in this final position: abfährt.
Weißt du, wann wir anfangen können?
Do you know when we can start?
The outer sentence determines the final punctuation
An introductory question takes a question mark. An introductory statement can contain the same embedded question and still end with a full stop.
Ich frage mich, wann Nora zurückkommt.
I wonder when Nora will come back.
Practise this pattern
This explanation is free to read. The matching A2 block includes guided practice, a separate block check and spaced review. The first 10 blocks of each language stay free; other interactive lessons require course access or an eligible seven-day trial.
Explore this grammar blockRelated grammar
References
Original teaching prose and examples, informed by these grammar references. A2 placement is an editorial curriculum choice, not a CEFR certification.