Conditionals without wenn
To express a condition, you can drop the word wenn and start the sentence with the conjugated verb.
When you begin a sentence this way, the main clause that follows also starts with its conjugated verb, creating a distinct "verb, comma, verb" pattern.
| If the wind is good, the sailboat travels fast. | Ist der Wind gut, fährt das Segelboot schnell. |
| If we buy the old sailboat, we need a new sail. | Kaufen wir das alte Segelboot, brauchen wir ein neues Segel. |
Separable verbs
The rules for separable verbs stay the same: the prefix jumps to the end of its clause.
| If a storm comes, we bring in the sail immediately. | Kommt ein Sturm, holen wir das Segel sofort ein. |
Commands and reflexive verbs
If the result of a condition is an instruction, the main clause uses the imperative (command) form right after the comma. For reflexive verbs like sich festhalten (to hold on tight), the pronoun sits immediately after the verb.
| If the cold wind blows, go into the cabin! | Weht der kalte Wind, geht in die Kabine! |
| If someone needs help, throw the lifebuoy! | Braucht jemand Hilfe, werft den Rettungsring! |
| If the wind blows strongly, hold on tight! | Weht der Wind stark, haltet euch gut fest! |
Safety first
Mastering this structure helps you coordinate clearly in an emergency.
| If we capsize, the life jackets help. | Kentern wir, helfen die Schwimmwesten. |
| If someone is in the water, we throw the lifebuoy. | Ist jemand im Wasser, werfen wir den Rettungsring. |
Your questions are stored by us to improve Elon.io