Weather Permitting
When organizing weekend activities like a picnic (das Picknick) or a bike tour (die Radtour), you often have to keep an eye on the weather. If the weather is unsettled (unbeständig), your plans might need a backup.
| The forecast for the weekend is unfortunately unsettled. | Die Vorhersage für das Wochenende ist leider unbeständig. |
Making Exceptions with es sei denn
To express that a statement is true except under a specific condition, German uses the phrase es sei denn (unless).
When you use es sei denn, it is typically followed by a standard main clause. This means the conjugated verb stays in its normal position (position 2). Always separate the es sei denn clause from your main statement with a comma.
| We do not have to reschedule, unless the forecast is wrong. | Wir müssen nicht umplanen, es sei denn, die Vorhersage ist falsch. |
| The children are staying indoors, unless the sun is shining. | Die Kinder bleiben drinnen, es sei denn, die Sonne scheint. |
Pushing the Verb with es sei denn, dass
You will also frequently hear and read es sei denn, dass (unless). Adding dass does not change the meaning, but it does change the word order.
Because dass is a subordinating conjunction, it kicks the conjugated verb to the very end of the clause.
| My partner is doing the bike tour, unless it rains. | Mein Partner macht die Radtour, es sei denn, dass es regnet. |
| I am staying at home, unless the shower ends quickly. | Ich bleibe zu Hause, es sei denn, dass der Schauer schnell endet. |