Subordinate clauses with wenn
A2 · Elementary · Cases & Verbs
The rule
wenn = if / whenever; verb final.
How it works
Wenn means "if" or "whenever". With a condition it describes a possible or real situation, and with a repeated event it means "whenever". The verb goes to the end of the clause. In the future, wenn is used where English would use "when" for a future event.
When to use it
Use wenn for "if" or "whenever", with the verb at the end of the clause.
Use cases
- Describing a possible condition: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause
- Describing a habit: Wenn ich Zeit habe, lese ich
- Making a plan: Wenn du kommst, essen wir zusammen
Examples
- Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich hier – If it rains, I stay here
- Wenn du willst, helfe ich dir. – If you want, I will help you.
- Wenn der Bus kommt, steigen wir ein. – When the bus comes, we get on.
- Ich rufe dich an, wenn ich fertig bin. – I will call you when I am finished.
Common mistake
Confusing wenn (if/whenever) with als (single past event).
Memory tip
Wenn = if or whenever, with the verb at the end: "Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause."
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Verbs and Word Order: Tenses, Modals and Sentence Structure.