Breakdown of Wenn wir Überstunden machen, wollen wir mehr Gehalt.
machen
to make, to do
wir
we
wollen
to want
mehr
more
wenn
if / when (conditional, not a question word)
die Überstunde
the overtime
das Gehalt
the salary
Questions & Answers about Wenn wir Überstunden machen, wollen wir mehr Gehalt.
Why is machen at the very end of the first part before the comma?
The word wenn (if/when) is a subordinating conjunction. This means it creates a dependent clause and forces the conjugated verb, which is machen here, to move to the very end of that clause.
Why does the second half of the sentence say wollen wir instead of wir wollen?
In German, the main verb of a regular sentence must be in the second position. The entire 'if' clause (Wenn wir Überstunden machen) counts as a single block taking up position one. To keep the main verb in position two, wollen must come immediately after the comma, pushing the subject wir to position three.
Could I use wann instead of wenn?
No. The word wann is strictly a question word used to ask about time (like 'When does the train leave?'). For conditions ('if') or events happening in the present and future ('whenever'), you must use wenn.
In English we say 'work overtime.' Why does this sentence use machen?
Languages often pair different verbs with nouns. In German, you do not 'work' overtime. The standard phrase for 'working overtime' is literally 'making overtime': Überstunden machen.
Learn Wenn wir Überstunden machen, wollen wir mehr Gehalt and more in German
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free