Playing the What-If Game
Imagining a sudden windfall requires setting up hypothetical scenarios.
Assuming That: angenommen, dass
To propose a hypothetical situation, use angenommen, dass (assuming that).
Because this phrase uses dass, it creates a subordinate clause, pushing the conjugated verb to the very end. You can place the angenommen, dass clause either before or after your main clause. If it comes first, remember that the main clause will immediately start with its verb.
| Assuming someone gets the lottery winnings. | Angenommen, dass jemand den Lottogewinn bekommt. |
| We will buy the house, assuming the lottery winnings are high enough. | Wir kaufen das Haus, angenommen, dass der Lottogewinn hoch genug ist. |
Provided That: vorausgesetzt, dass
To state that something will happen only if a strict condition is met, use vorausgesetzt, dass (provided that). Just like with angenommen, dass kicks the conjugated verb to the end of the subordinate clause.
| He earns a lot, provided that the stock market stays calm. | Er verdient viel, vorausgesetzt, dass die Börse ruhig bleibt. |
| Provided the stock market rises, we will invest in the project. | Vorausgesetzt, dass die Börse steigt, investieren wir in das Projekt. |
High Risks and High Returns
These restrictive conditional clauses are incredibly useful when talking about investments (die Anlage), the stock exchange (die Börse), and wealth (der Reichtum). When deciding to invest money (Geld anlegen), you always have to weigh the risks against the potential return (die Rendite).
| Assuming the return is good, it is a good investment. | Angenommen, dass die Rendite gut ist, ist es eine gute Anlage. |
| I will invest everything, provided we double the money. | Ich werde alles anlegen, vorausgesetzt, dass wir das Geld verdoppeln. |
| Assuming wealth is important, she must invest the money. | Angenommen, dass Reichtum wichtig ist, muss sie das Geld anlegen. |