Why does is this sentence using subjunctive?

Question

It doesn't express wish or desire, so why can't the indicative forms be used?

" Y aunque no estemos de acuerdo con sus métodos, entendemos que lo hayan intentado "

Answer 1

In this kind of sentence either indicative or subjunctive can be used. The difference is a nuance of absolute fact or allowing for possibility (direct or less direct). Even in the case of absolute fact, when we use subjunctive the action has a "softer" effect.

Estoy de acuerdo. One of these confusing ones.. ha, like the entire minefield of the subjunctive. - annierats, Jan 13, 2014

Annie, that´s funny. I always thought that "minefield" meant the place where Wolfie leaves his logs - 005faa61, Jan 14, 2014

Minefield is exactly how the subjunctive feels like, haha. And sometimes Mindfields (as in, The Prodigy song). - Manity, Jan 16, 2014

Answer 2

Aunque often takes the subjunctive, if you're not sure, or the whole thing is a bit 'i ffy'.

Translation: Even if we don't agree with their methods we understand that they might have tried ( to do it). Not sure exactly, without context.

The even if indicates a certain lack of certainty, if you see what I mean.

Ohhh! this sentence is sneaky! - kuddah, Jan 14, 2014

Answer 3

The way I understand this:

" Y aunque no estemos de acuerdo con sus métodos, entendemos que lo hayan intentado " = And, although we might not agree with your methods, we understand that you had tried.

" Y aunque no estamos de acuerdo con sus métodos, entendemos el por qué lo intentaron " = And, although we don't agree with your methods, we understand (the reason) why you tried.

Answer 4

Y aunque no estemos de acuerdo con sus métodos

And even if we don't agree with his methods ....

(or .... even though we might not agree with his methods)

Y aunque no estamos de acuerdo con sus métodos

And even though we don't agree with his methods .....