German grammar: Konditionalsätze

What this grammar point covers

Konditionalsätze are conditional sentences in German. They describe what happens if a certain condition is met.

When to use it

Use Konditionalsätze in German to talk about situations that depend on a condition. They are used for real, possible, or hypothetical situations.

Key forms

• Wenn + Nebensatz, Hauptsatz (z. B. Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause.)
• Hauptsatz, wenn + Nebensatz (z. B. Ich bleibe zu Hause, wenn es regnet.)
• Manchmal mit 'falls' statt 'wenn' (z. B. Falls du Zeit hast, komm vorbei.)

Examples

Tips

• Remember to use the comma between the 'wenn'-clause and the main clause.
• The verb in the 'wenn'-clause goes to the end.
• For unreal situations, use the Konjunktiv II form (würde + infinitive or special forms).

Exceptions and edge cases

• Sometimes 'falls' is used instead of 'wenn', especially for unlikely conditions.
• In spoken language, the 'wenn'-clause can come after the main clause.