B1 Conjunctions & Connectors 9 min read Medium

The Master Key 'Wenn': If, When, or Whenever?

Use wenn for conditions (if) and repeated events (whenever), but never for questions (wann) or single past events (als).
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'wenn' for conditions (if) or repeated events in the present/future (whenever/when).

  • Use 'wenn' for conditions: 'Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause.'
  • Use 'wenn' for repeated events in the present/future: 'Wenn ich Zeit habe, lese ich.'
  • Use 'wenn' for events in the past that happened more than once: 'Wenn ich klein war, spielte ich viel.'
Wenn + Subject + ... + Verb(end), Verb + Subject + ...

Overview

Wenn is a fundamental German subordinating conjunction, essential for expressing conditions and temporal relationships. Unlike English, which often uses “when” ambiguously, German distinguishes between specific questions about time (wann), one-time past events (als), and the versatile wenn. At CEFR B1, mastering wenn is crucial for formulating complex sentences and expressing nuanced ideas.

Its primary functions are to introduce conditional clauses (meaning “if”) and temporal clauses describing repeated actions (“whenever” or “every time that”). Both uses necessitate the characteristic German verb-final word order in the dependent clause it introduces.

Wenn acts as a “kicker,” pushing the conjugated verb to the very end of its clause. This grammatical mechanism signifies that the wenn-clause is subordinate, meaning it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence; it depends on a main clause for its full meaning. Understanding this structural impact is the gateway to correctly integrating wenn into your German.

The distinction between wenn, wann, and als is a cornerstone of intermediate German grammar, directly affecting clarity and precision in communication.

How This Grammar Works

German grammar employs a strict system of verb placement, particularly for subordinating conjunctions like wenn. A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause, which modifies or provides additional information about the main clause. The defining feature of any German dependent clause is that its conjugated verb always moves to the absolute last position in that clause.
This is a non-negotiable rule that applies uniformly, regardless of tense, mood, or complexity.
Consider the sentence structure: the wenn-clause sets up a premise, a condition, or a recurring circumstance, while the main clause provides the consequence or result. This creates a logical connection where one event is contingent upon or regularly associated with another. For example, in Wenn das Wetter schön ist, gehen wir spazieren.
(If the weather is nice, we go for a walk.), the wenn-clause specifies the condition, and the main clause describes the action taken if that condition is met. Notice how ist (is) is at the end of the wenn-clause, and gehen (go) is in the second position of the main clause.
When a wenn-clause precedes the main clause, it occupies the first position in the overall sentence structure. Consequently, the main clause must begin with its conjugated verb to maintain the V2 (verb in second position) rule of independent clauses. This leads to the prominent “Verb-Verb” pattern often observed: Wenn Subject … Verb, Verb Subject … .
For instance: Wenn ich Zeit habe, komme ich dich besuchen. (If I have time, I'll come visit you.) Here, habe ends the dependent clause, and komme immediately starts the main clause. If the wenn-clause follows the main clause, the main clause retains its standard V2 order, and the wenn-clause follows the verb-final rule: Ich komme dich besuchen, wenn ich Zeit habe.
This rigid word order is not arbitrary; it signals the grammatical function of each clause to the listener or reader. The verb-final position within the wenn-clause immediately identifies it as a subordinate thought, preparing the listener for the main statement that follows or has just preceded it. Mastering this structural element is more than just memorizing a rule; it is about internalizing a core principle of German sentence construction.

Formation Pattern

1
The formation pattern for wenn clauses is consistent due to its role as a subordinating conjunction. Regardless of whether the wenn-clause expresses a condition (if) or a temporal repetition (whenever), the conjugated verb always shifts to the end of its clause. Understanding this pattern is key to accurate sentence construction.
2
Basic Structure of a wenn-Clause:
3
| Conjunction | Subject | Other Elements (Objects, Adverbs, Predicate) | Conjugated Verb (Finite Verb) |
4
| :---------- | :------ | :------------------------------------------ | :----------------------------- |
5
| wenn | der Mann | die Bücher liest | liest |
6
| wenn | ich | morgen früh aufstehen kann | kann |
7
| wenn | es | stark regnen würde | würde |
8
Sentence Pattern 1: wenn-Clause follows the Main Clause
9
When the wenn-clause comes after the main clause, the main clause maintains its typical Verb-second (V2) word order. A comma always separates the two clauses.
10
Formula: [Main Clause (Subject + Verb + Other Elements)], wenn [Subject + Other Elements + Conjugated Verb]
11
Examples:
12
Wir gehen spazieren, wenn das Wetter schön ist.
13
(We go for a walk if the weather is nice.)
14
Ich rufe dich an, wenn ich zu Hause bin.
15
(I'll call you when I'm at home.)
16
Die Kinder freuen sich immer, wenn die Ferien beginnen.
17
(The children are always happy whenever the holidays begin.)
18
Sentence Pattern 2: wenn-Clause precedes the Main Clause
19
When the wenn-clause starts the entire sentence, it occupies the first position. To uphold the V2 rule in German, the main clause must then begin immediately with its conjugated verb (finite verb). This results in the “Verb-Comma-Verb” structure.
20
Formula: wenn [Subject + Other Elements + Conjugated Verb], [Conjugated Verb + Subject + Rest of Main Clause]
21
Examples:
22
Wenn das Wetter schön ist, gehen wir spazieren.
23
(If the weather is nice, we go for a walk.)
24
Wenn ich zu Hause bin, rufe ich dich an.
25
(When I am at home, I'll call you.)
26
Wenn die Ferien beginnen, freuen sich die Kinder immer.
27
(Whenever the holidays begin, the children are always happy.)
28
Complex Verb Structures in wenn-Clauses:
29
For verb phrases involving modal verbs, perfect tenses, or separable prefixes, the rule of the conjugated verb moving to the end remains supreme. All other verb components (infinitives, past participles, separable prefixes) precede the final conjugated verb.
30
Modal Verbs: The conjugated modal verb goes to the end, preceded by the infinitive.
31
Wenn ich die Prüfung bestehen kann, werde ich feiern.
32
(If I can pass the exam, I will celebrate.)
33
Perfect Tenses: The auxiliary verb (haben or sein) is conjugated and goes to the end, preceded by the past participle.
34
Wenn er die Arbeit beendet hat, geht er nach Hause.
35
(When he has finished the work, he goes home.)
36
Separable Prefixes: The prefix remains attached to the verb, but the entire verb unit moves to the end. The prefix does not separate from the stem.
37
Wenn er früh aufsteht, hat er mehr Zeit.
38
(If he gets up early, he has more time.)
39
Correct comma placement is crucial. A comma must always separate a wenn-clause from its main clause. This signals the grammatical break and aids in comprehension.

When To Use It

Wenn serves two primary, distinct functions in German: expressing conditions (if) and indicating repeated temporal events (whenever). Recognizing these contexts is fundamental to its correct application.
1. Conditional Use: “If” (Conditions and Hypotheses)
This is perhaps the most frequent use of wenn. It introduces a condition that must be met for a certain outcome to occur. These conditions can refer to present, past, or future possibilities and are often termed conditional sentences.
  • Present/Future Conditions (Probable): Used for situations that are real or likely to happen. The main clause often uses the present or future tense.
  • Wenn es morgen regnet, bleiben wir zu Hause.
(If it rains tomorrow, we will stay at home.)
  • Wenn du die Aufgabe nicht verstehst, helfe ich dir.
(If you don't understand the task, I will help you.)
  • Wenn ich genug Geld habe, kaufe ich das neue das Auto.
(If I have enough money, I'll buy the new car.)
  • Hypothetical/Improbable Conditions (Unreal/Konjunktiv II): For situations that are contrary to fact, unlikely, or purely hypothetical. In these cases, both the wenn-clause and the main clause typically employ the Konjunktiv II (subjunctive II). While Konjunktiv II is primarily a B2/C1 topic, it is essential to recognize wenn as its common introductory conjunction for unreal conditions.
  • Wenn ich mehr Zeit hätte, würde ich Deutsch lernen.
(If I had more time, I would learn German.)
  • Wenn du die Wahrheit gesagt hättest, wäre alles anders.
(If you had told the truth, everything would be different.)
  • Distinction with falls and sofern:
  • Falls also means “if,” but often implies a slightly higher degree of uncertainty or contingency, suggesting “in case that.” It is interchangeable with wenn in many contexts, but can subtly shift the nuance.
  • Falls es regnet, nimm den(m) Schirm mit. (In case it rains, take the umbrella.)
  • Sofern translates to “as long as,” “provided that,” or “insofar as.” It introduces a condition that sets a boundary or prerequisite.
  • Sofern du die Regeln befolgst, gibt es keine Probleme. (Provided that you follow the rules, there will be no problems.)
2. Temporal Use: “Whenever” / “Every Time That” (Repeated Actions)
This use of wenn indicates an action or event that occurs regularly, habitually, or repeatedly. It can refer to past, present, or future repetitions. This is a critical distinction from als, which refers to a single, completed event in the past.
  • Present/Future Repetitions: Describes habits, routines, or events that consistently happen.
  • Wenn die Sonne scheint, gehe ich nach draußen.
(Whenever the sun shines, I go outside.)
  • Wenn ich Kaffee trinke, werde ich wach.
(Whenever I drink coffee, I wake up.)
  • Past Repetitions: Recounts recurring events or habits from the past.
  • Wenn wir klein waren, spielten wir oft im Garten.
(Whenever we were little, we often played in the garden.)
  • Wenn der Lehrer die Hausaufgaben aufgab, stöhnten wir.
(Whenever the teacher assigned homework, we groaned.)
  • Immer wenn for Emphasis: To explicitly emphasize the repetitive nature, immer (always) is often used in conjunction with wenn.
  • Immer wenn ich die Tür öffne, bellt der Hund.
(Literally: Always when I open the door, the dog barks. / Whenever I open the door, the dog barks.)
Summary of wenn vs. wann vs. als:
| Conjunction | Function | Meaning | Example | Verb Position |
| :---------- | :-------------------- | :-------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------ |
| wenn | Condition | If | Wenn es regnet, bleiben wir zu Hause. | Final |
| wenn | Repeated event (past/present/future) | Whenever, every time | Wenn ich die Oma besuche, kocht sie immer. | Final |
| wann | Interrogative adverb | When? (Question word) | Wann kommst du? Ich weiß nicht, wann er kommt. | V2 in direct question, final in indirect question |
| als | Single past event | When (one time in past) | Als ich ein Kind war, wohnte ich in Berlin. | Final |
This table illustrates the precise domains of these similar-sounding terms, underscoring German’s demand for specificity concerning temporal and conditional relationships.

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently encounter pitfalls when navigating wenn, primarily due to its semantic overlap with English

Wenn-Clause Structure

Position 1 Position 2 Middle End
Wenn
ich
Zeit
habe,
Wenn
es
regnet,
bleibe ich zu Hause.
Wenn
wir
uns sehen,
lachen wir.
Wenn
du
kommst,
gehen wir essen.
Wenn
er
lernt,
bekommt er gute Noten.
Wenn
das Wetter
schön ist,
gehen wir spazieren.

Common Contractions

Full Contraction
Wenn es
Wenn's

Meanings

A subordinating conjunction used to express conditions (if) or temporal occurrences that are repeated or ongoing in the present/future.

1

Conditional

Expressing a condition (If X, then Y).

“Wenn ich Geld hätte, würde ich reisen.”

“Wenn du willst, helfe ich dir.”

2

Temporal (Repeated)

Whenever something happens (repeatedly).

“Wenn ich morgens aufwache, trinke ich Kaffee.”

“Wenn wir uns sehen, lachen wir.”

Reference Table

Reference table for The Master Key 'Wenn': If, When, or Whenever?
Form Structure Example
Conditional
Wenn + Subj + ... + Verb(end)
Wenn ich Zeit habe, lerne ich.
Past Repetition
Wenn + Subj + ... + Verb(end)
Wenn ich klein war, spielte ich.
Hypothetical
Wenn + Subj + ... + Verb(end)
Wenn ich Geld hätte, würde ich reisen.
Inverted
Main Clause + wenn + Subj + ... + Verb(end)
Ich lerne, wenn ich Zeit habe.
Negative
Wenn + Subj + ... + nicht + Verb(end)
Wenn ich nicht müde bin, lerne ich.
Question
Wenn + Subj + ... + Verb(end), Verb + Subj + ...?
Wenn du Zeit hast, kommst du mit?
Modal
Wenn + Subj + ... + Modal(end)
Wenn ich kann, helfe ich.
Perfect
Wenn + Subj + ... + Partizip + Aux(end)
Wenn ich das gewusst hätte, wäre ich gekommen.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Wenn Sie Zeit haben, können wir uns treffen.

Wenn Sie Zeit haben, können wir uns treffen. (Meeting invitation)

Neutral
Wenn du Zeit hast, können wir uns treffen.

Wenn du Zeit hast, können wir uns treffen. (Meeting invitation)

Informal
Wenn du Zeit hast, lass uns treffen.

Wenn du Zeit hast, lass uns treffen. (Meeting invitation)

Slang
Wenn du Zeit hast, lass uns chillen.

Wenn du Zeit hast, lass uns chillen. (Meeting invitation)

Wenn Usage Map

Wenn

Condition

  • Falls In case

Repetition

  • Jedes Mal Every time

Wenn vs Als vs Wann

Wenn
Condition If
Als
Past Event When
Wann
Question When?

Decision Flow

1

Is it a question?

YES
Use 'Wann'
NO
Next step
2

Is it a single event in the past?

YES
Use 'Als'
NO
Use 'Wenn'
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Examples by Level

1

Wenn ich Hunger habe, esse ich.

If I am hungry, I eat.

2

Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause.

If it rains, I stay at home.

3

Wenn du willst, gehen wir.

If you want, we go.

4

Wenn ich müde bin, schlafe ich.

If I am tired, I sleep.

1

Wenn ich Zeit habe, rufe ich dich an.

If I have time, I will call you.

2

Wenn wir in Berlin sind, besuchen wir das {der|m} Museum.

When we are in Berlin, we visit the museum.

3

Wenn er lernt, bekommt er gute Noten.

Whenever he studies, he gets good grades.

4

Wenn das Wetter schön ist, gehen wir spazieren.

When the weather is nice, we go for a walk.

1

Wenn ich mehr Geld hätte, würde ich reisen.

If I had more money, I would travel.

2

Wenn ich klein war, spielte ich oft im {der|m} Garten.

When I was small, I often played in the garden.

3

Wenn du mich fragst, ist das eine gute Idee.

If you ask me, that is a good idea.

4

Wenn es Probleme gibt, sag mir Bescheid.

If there are problems, let me know.

1

Wenn man bedenkt, wie viel Zeit wir haben, ist das machbar.

If one considers how much time we have, it is doable.

2

Wenn er nicht gekommen wäre, hätten wir das Projekt nicht geschafft.

If he hadn't come, we wouldn't have finished the project.

3

Wenn auch das Wetter schlecht war, hatten wir Spaß.

Even though the weather was bad, we had fun.

4

Wenn ich nur wüsste, wo {der|m} Schlüssel ist!

If only I knew where the key is!

1

Wenn es auch schwierig erscheint, ist es doch lösbar.

Even if it seems difficult, it is solvable.

2

Wenn man davon ausgeht, dass die Daten korrekt sind, folgt daraus...

Assuming the data is correct, it follows that...

3

Wenn schon, denn schon.

If you're going to do it, do it right.

4

Wenn ich auch nicht zustimme, so verstehe ich doch deine Sicht.

Even though I do not agree, I do understand your view.

1

Wenn auch die Umstände widrig waren, so beharrte er auf seinem Standpunkt.

Although the circumstances were adverse, he insisted on his point of view.

2

Wenn man bedenkt, wie sehr sich die Sprache gewandelt hat, ist das bemerkenswert.

Considering how much the language has changed, it is remarkable.

3

Wenn es nach mir ginge, würden wir heute noch aufbrechen.

If it were up to me, we would leave today.

4

Wenn man sich vor Augen führt, welche Konsequenzen das hat...

If one considers the consequences...

Easily Confused

The Master Key 'Wenn': If, When, or Whenever? vs Wenn vs Als

Both mean 'when' in English.

The Master Key 'Wenn': If, When, or Whenever? vs Wenn vs Wann

Both mean 'when' in English.

The Master Key 'Wenn': If, When, or Whenever? vs Wenn vs Falls

Both mean 'if'.

Common Mistakes

✗

Wenn ich habe Zeit.

✓

Wenn ich Zeit habe.

Verb must be at the end.
✗

Wenn ich gehe in die Schule.

✓

Wenn ich in die Schule gehe.

Verb at the end.
✗

Wann ich Zeit habe, lerne ich.

✓

Wenn ich Zeit habe, lerne ich.

Wann is for questions.
✗

Wenn ich war klein...

✓

Als ich klein war...

Als for single past events.
✗

Wenn du kommst, ich bin froh.

✓

Wenn du kommst, bin ich froh.

Main clause verb must be in position 2.
✗

Wenn er hat gelernt, hat er bestanden.

✓

Wenn er gelernt hat, hat er bestanden.

Verb at end.
✗

Wann es regnet, bleibe ich.

✓

Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich.

Wann is for questions.
✗

Wenn ich hätte Geld...

✓

Wenn ich Geld hätte...

Verb at end.
✗

Wenn ich würde gehen...

✓

Wenn ich ginge...

Konjunktiv II usage.
✗

Wenn man bedenkt, wie ist das...

✓

Wenn man bedenkt, wie das ist...

Verb at end.
✗

Wenn auch ist es schwer...

✓

Wenn es auch schwer ist...

Verb at end.
✗

Wenn man ausgeht davon, dass...

✓

Wenn man davon ausgeht, dass...

Verb at end.
✗

Wenn schon, dann schon.

✓

Wenn schon, denn schon.

Idiomatic usage.

Sentence Patterns

Wenn ich ___, ___ ich ___.

Wenn ich ___, würde ich ___.

Wenn man bedenkt, dass ___, ist das ___.

Wenn es auch ___, so ist es doch ___.

Real World Usage

Texting constant

Wenn du Zeit hast, melde dich!

Job Interview very common

Wenn ich eine Aufgabe bekomme, arbeite ich fokussiert.

Social Media common

Wenn ihr das seht, liked das Video!

Travel common

Wenn ich am Flughafen bin, suche ich das Gate.

Food Delivery occasional

Wenn das Essen kalt ist, beschwere ich mich.

Academic Writing common

Wenn man die Daten analysiert, sieht man...

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💡

Verb Placement

Always check the end of the clause. If the verb isn't there, it's wrong.
⚠️

Don't use 'Wann'

Only use 'Wann' for questions. If you aren't asking a question, use 'Wenn' or 'Als'.
🎯

Hypothetical 'Wenn'

Use Konjunktiv II (hätte/wäre) with 'wenn' to sound more native when talking about dreams.
💬

Regional usage

Be aware that in spoken dialect, people might drop the 'n' or shorten 'wenn' to 'wenn's'.

Smart Tips

Use Konjunktiv II with 'wenn' for wishes.

Wenn ich Geld habe, kaufe ich ein Haus. → Wenn ich Geld hätte, würde ich ein Haus kaufen.

Use 'falls' instead of 'wenn' for professional conditions.

Wenn Sie Fragen haben, melden Sie sich. → Falls Sie Fragen haben, melden Sie sich bitte.

Use 'als' instead of 'wenn' for single past events.

Wenn ich 5 war, bin ich in die Schule gegangen. → Als ich 5 war, bin ich in die Schule gegangen.

Always use 'wann' for questions.

Wenn kommst du? → Wann kommst du?

Pronunciation

/vɛn/

Wenn

The 'w' is pronounced like an English 'v'. The 'e' is short.

Conditional

Wenn ich Zeit habe, ↗ | lerne ich. ↘

Rising intonation on the condition, falling on the result.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Wenn is for 'When' and 'If' again and again.

Visual Association

Imagine a revolving door. Every time you pass through (repeated event), you say 'Wenn'. If you are stuck outside waiting for a key (condition), you also say 'Wenn'.

Rhyme

Wenn it's a condition or happens a lot, use 'wenn' and give it all you've got.

Story

Every morning (repeated), I drink coffee. If I don't drink coffee (condition), I am grumpy. My friend says, 'Wenn you drink coffee, you are happy.'

Word Web

KonditionWiederholungSubjunktionSatzbauVerb am EndeGegenwartZukunft

Challenge

Write 5 sentences about your daily routine using 'Wenn' and 5 sentences about hypothetical plans.

Cultural Notes

Germans are very precise with 'wenn' vs 'als'. Using 'wenn' for a single past event is a major marker of non-native speech.

In some Austrian dialects, 'wenn' can be used more flexibly, but standard German rules apply in writing.

Swiss German speakers often use 'wenn' in contexts where standard German might prefer 'falls'.

Comes from Old High German 'wenne', related to 'wann'.

Conversation Starters

“

Was machst du, wenn du Zeit hast?

“

Was würdest du tun, wenn du im Lotto gewinnen würdest?

“

Wenn du die Welt verändern könntest, was würdest du tun?

“

Wenn man bedenkt, wie die Welt heute ist, was ist die größte Herausforderung?

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über deine Pläne für das Wochenende.
Was würdest du tun, wenn du eine Million Euro hättest?
Reflektiere über eine Entscheidung, die du getroffen hast.
Diskutiere die Auswirkungen von Technologie auf unsere Gesellschaft.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct verb form.

Wenn ich Zeit ___, lerne ich.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: habe
Ich takes 'habe'.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Wenn ich habe Zeit, lerne ich.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wenn ich Zeit habe, lerne ich.
Verb must be at the end.
Choose the correct conjunction. Multiple Choice

___ kommst du nach Hause?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wann
It's a question.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wenn ich Zeit habe, lerne ich.
Correct word order.
Translate to German. Translation

If I were rich, I would travel.

Answer starts with: Wen...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wenn ich reich wäre, würde ich reisen.
Konjunktiv II.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Was machst du, wenn es regnet? B: ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause.
Verb position.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Wenn / du / willst / helfen / kannst / du

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wenn du helfen willst, kannst du.
Verb at end.
Sort by usage. Grammar Sorting

Which is for a single past event?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Als
Als is for single past events.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct verb form.

Wenn ich Zeit ___, lerne ich.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: habe
Ich takes 'habe'.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Wenn ich habe Zeit, lerne ich.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wenn ich Zeit habe, lerne ich.
Verb must be at the end.
Choose the correct conjunction. Multiple Choice

___ kommst du nach Hause?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wann
It's a question.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Zeit / wenn / habe / ich / lerne / ich

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wenn ich Zeit habe, lerne ich.
Correct word order.
Translate to German. Translation

If I were rich, I would travel.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wenn ich reich wäre, würde ich reisen.
Konjunktiv II.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Was machst du, wenn es regnet? B: ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause.
Verb position.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Wenn / du / willst / helfen / kannst / du

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wenn du helfen willst, kannst du.
Verb at end.
Sort by usage. Grammar Sorting

Which is for a single past event?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Als
Als is for single past events.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Complete with 'wenn' or 'wann'. Fill in the Blank

___ kommst du nach Hause?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wann
Complete with 'wenn' or 'als'. Fill in the Blank

___ ich 6 Jahre alt war, hatte ich einen Hund.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Als
Reorder the words to form a correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arbeit / bin / ich / müde / der / nach / wenn

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wenn ich nach der Arbeit müde bin
Translate 'If you want.' Translation

If you want.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wenn du willst.
Which implies a repeated event? Multiple Choice

Select the sentence implying repetition.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Immer wenn ich in Berlin war...
Find the error. Error Correction

Wenn du kommst, wir essen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wenn du kommst, essen wir.
Match the German to the English function. Match Pairs

Match the conjunction to its use.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Wenn -> Condition \/ Repeated Event","Wann -> Time Question","Als -> Single Past Event"]
Complete the sentence. Fill in the Blank

Ruf mich an, ___ du ankommst.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: wenn
Choose the correct past tense usage. Multiple Choice

Whenever he called...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wenn er anrief...
Arrange the main clause correctly. Sentence Reorder

(Wenn es regnet) / wir / nicht / gehen / raus

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: gehen wir nicht raus
Correct the conjunction. Error Correction

Ich frage mich, wenn er Zeit hat.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich frage mich, ob er Zeit hat.
Translate: 'When does the train leave?' Translation

When does the train leave?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wann fährt der Zug ab?

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

No, use 'wann' for questions about time.

Because 'wenn' is a subordinating conjunction.

No, it can also mean 'whenever'.

'Wenn' is standard, 'falls' emphasizes possibility.

Yes, for repeated events in the past.

The modal verb goes to the very end.

It is neutral and used in all registers.

The comma is mandatory in German grammar.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

si

Spanish uses 'cuando' for temporal 'when', while German uses 'wenn' for both.

French moderate

si / quand

German combines both into 'wenn' for repeated events.

Japanese low

tara / ba

Japanese is agglutinative, German is analytic.

Arabic moderate

idha / law

Arabic distinguishes real vs hypothetical with different words.

Chinese moderate

ruguo

Chinese has no verb conjugation or word order changes.

English partial

if / when

German uses 'wenn' for both, which is confusing for English speakers.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Giving Reasons: Using 'because' (weil)
Next
Either... Or: Making Choices (entweder ... oder)

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