Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause.
English: If it rains, I stay at home.
- Language
- German
- Level
- A2
- Unit
- Satzstruktur und Nebensätze
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In German, 'Nebensätze mit wenn' are subordinate clauses that use 'wenn' to talk about conditions or repeated events. 'Wenn' means 'if' or 'when' in this context.
When to use it
Use 'wenn' in German to talk about things that happen regularly or under certain conditions, such as routines or possible situations.
Key forms
- 'Wenn' + subject + other elements + verb (at the end),
- Main clause,
- or: Main clause + 'wenn'-clause
Examples
Ich rufe dich an, wenn ich Zeit habe.
English: I call you when I have time.
Wenn du willst, gehen wir ins Kino.
English: If you want, we go to the cinema.
Wenn ich Hunger habe, esse ich ein Sandwich.
English: When I am hungry, I eat a sandwich.
Tips
- Remember: In the 'wenn'-clause, the verb goes at the end.
- The main clause can come before or after the 'wenn'-clause.
- Do not use 'wenn' for one-time events in the past; use 'als' for that.
Exceptions and edge cases
- For one specific event in the past, use 'als' instead of 'wenn'.