Unter diesen Umständen...
Under these circumstances...
Literally: Under these circumstances
In 15 Seconds
- Used to pivot your plans based on new information.
- Triggers the V2 word order rule in German sentences.
- Works perfectly in both professional and casual daily life.
Meaning
This phrase is used to acknowledge a change in plans or a new piece of information. It essentially means 'given the situation' or 'since things are this way now.'
Key Examples
3 of 6A friend cancels dinner plans
Unter diesen Umständen bestelle ich mir einfach eine Pizza.
Under these circumstances, I'll just order a pizza.
The weather turns bad during a hike
Unter diesen Umständen sollten wir lieber umkehren.
Under these circumstances, we should probably turn back.
A business meeting where the budget is reduced
Unter diesen Umständen können wir das Projekt nicht starten.
Under these circumstances, we cannot start the project.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Direktheit' (directness). Using this phrase allows a speaker to be direct about a change in plans without appearing emotional or flaky. In Austria, the phrase might be used with a bit more 'Höflichkeit' (politeness) and a softer tone, but the logical function remains the same. Swiss German speakers use the High German version in formal writing, but in dialect, they might use 'Unter däne Umständ'. It is common in Swiss consensus-based politics. In German business, 'Unter diesen Umständen' is a powerful negotiation tool to signal that the 'Basis' of the talk has shifted.
Master the V2 Rule
Always remember that the verb is the second 'idea' in the sentence. 'Unter diesen Umständen' is Idea #1. Verb is Idea #2.
Don't say 'In diesen Umständen'
Even though English says 'in some circumstances', German almost exclusively uses 'unter'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to pivot your plans based on new information.
- Triggers the V2 word order rule in German sentences.
- Works perfectly in both professional and casual daily life.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as your ultimate pivot tool. You use it when the facts on the ground have changed. It signals that you are making a decision based on new reality. It is like saying 'well, if that is the case.' It is practical, clear, and very common.
How To Use It
You usually put it at the start of a sentence. In German, this kicks the verb to the second position. For example: Unter diesen Umständen bleibe ich zu Hause. Notice how bleibe (stay) comes right after the phrase. You can also drop it at the end for emphasis. It sounds smart without being too stiff.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend cancels, and you change your plans. Use it in a meeting when the budget gets cut. It is perfect for a restaurant if they are out of schnitzel. You might say it when it starts raining during a picnic. It shows you are reacting logically to the world around you.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for tiny, insignificant things. If someone hands you a blue pen instead of black, it is too dramatic. Avoid it in very high-stakes legal contracts where you need specific jargon. It is not a slang term, so do not use it with 'Digga' or 'Alter.' It is a bit too 'adult' for a playground setting. Keep it for moments where a real choice is being made.
Cultural Background
Germans love logic and clear reasoning. This phrase appeals to that cultural trait perfectly. It suggests that your actions are a direct result of the situation. It removes the 'personal' element and focuses on the facts. It has been a staple of the language for centuries. It reflects a mindset of pragmatism and adaptability.
Common Variations
You might hear In diesem Fall for a simpler 'In this case.' If things are looking bad, people say Unter diesen Vorraussetzungen. For a more casual vibe, try Wenn das so ist. But Unter diesen Umständen remains the gold standard for clarity. It works in almost every part of Germany, from Berlin to Munich.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile because it sits right in the middle of the formality scale. The biggest 'gotcha' is word order; ensure the verb is the very next word after the phrase.
Master the V2 Rule
Always remember that the verb is the second 'idea' in the sentence. 'Unter diesen Umständen' is Idea #1. Verb is Idea #2.
Don't say 'In diesen Umständen'
Even though English says 'in some circumstances', German almost exclusively uses 'unter'.
Use it for Politeness
It's a great way to say 'no' without being rude. It blames the 'circumstances' instead of the person.
Examples
6Unter diesen Umständen bestelle ich mir einfach eine Pizza.
Under these circumstances, I'll just order a pizza.
A classic way to show you've changed your plan.
Unter diesen Umständen sollten wir lieber umkehren.
Under these circumstances, we should probably turn back.
Used here for safety and logical decision making.
Unter diesen Umständen können wir das Projekt nicht starten.
Under these circumstances, we cannot start the project.
Professional and firm tone.
Mein Zug hat Verspätung. Unter diesen Umständen komme ich später.
My train is delayed. Under these circumstances, I'll arrive later.
Explaining a delay clearly.
Er mag keine Hunde? Unter diesen Umständen gibt es kein Date!
He doesn't like dogs? Under these circumstances, there's no date!
Using the phrase for a humorous deal-breaker.
Unter diesen Umständen ist eine Operation notwendig.
Under these circumstances, surgery is necessary.
Serious and factual context.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'dieser' and 'Umstand'.
Unter ______ ______ (plural) können wir nicht draußen spielen.
Dative plural requires 'diesen' and the 'n' ending on 'Umständen'.
Which sentence has the correct word order?
A: Unter diesen Umständen wir gehen nach Hause. B: Unter diesen Umständen gehen wir nach Hause.
The verb 'gehen' must be in the second position.
Match the situation to the best use of the phrase.
Situation: You find out the train is delayed by 3 hours.
Taking the bus is a logical reaction to a train delay.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Das Hotel hat keine freien Zimmer mehr. B: Oh nein! Unter ______ ______ müssen wir ein anderes Hotel suchen.
Standard usage in a dialogue about changing plans.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesUnter ______ ______ (plural) können wir nicht draußen spielen.
Dative plural requires 'diesen' and the 'n' ending on 'Umständen'.
A: Unter diesen Umständen wir gehen nach Hause. B: Unter diesen Umständen gehen wir nach Hause.
The verb 'gehen' must be in the second position.
Situation: You find out the train is delayed by 3 hours.
Taking the bus is a logical reaction to a train delay.
A: Das Hotel hat keine freien Zimmer mehr. B: Oh nein! Unter ______ ______ müssen wir ein anderes Hotel suchen.
Standard usage in a dialogue about changing plans.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt's a bit formal, but not weird. It makes you sound like you've thought about your decision. For a very casual vibe, use 'Wenn das so ist...'.
Yes, but it's less common. 'Wir können nicht kommen unter diesen Umständen.' It sounds a bit like an afterthought.
The singular is 'Unter diesem Umstand', but it is rarely used. We usually view a situation as a collection of multiple factors (plural).
Not necessarily, but it usually implies a constraint or a change that requires an adjustment. It's often used for neutral or negative pivots.
'Deshalb' means 'therefore'. 'Unter diesen Umständen' is more specific—it means 'given these specific new facts'.
Related Phrases
Unter gar keinen Umständen
specialized formUnder no circumstances / Absolutely not
In Anbetracht der Lage
synonymConsidering the situation
Je nach Umständen
similarDepending on the circumstances
Umstände machen
contrastTo cause trouble or fuss
