Breakdown of Selbst wenn der Krater jetzt ruhig ist, kann der Vulkan ausbrechen.
sein
to be
jetzt
now
können
can / to be able to
ruhig
quiet, calm
der Vulkan
the volcano
der Krater
the crater
selbst wenn
even if
ausbrechen
to erupt
Questions & Answers about Selbst wenn der Krater jetzt ruhig ist, kann der Vulkan ausbrechen.
Why is the verb ist at the end of the first clause, and why does the second clause start with kann?
selbst wenn is a subordinating conjunction, which kicks the conjugated verb (ist) to the end of its clause. Because this entire subordinate clause occupies the first position in the overall sentence, the main clause must immediately follow it with its conjugated verb (kann) to satisfy the standard verb-second rule.
Is there a difference between selbst wenn and auch wenn in this sentence?
They are largely interchangeable and both translate to even if. However, selbst wenn often sounds a bit more extreme or hypothetical, emphasizing that even under this highly specific condition, the outcome remains the same. auch wenn is slightly broader and can mean both even if and even though.
The verb ausbrechen (to erupt) is a separable verb. Why isn't it separated here?
Because of the modal verb kann. Modals take the conjugated verb position, which pushes the main action verb (ausbrechen) to the very end of the clause in its full infinitive form. Since it remains in the infinitive, the prefix doesn't separate.
Does ruhig just mean quiet in this context?
Yes, here it literally means quiet or calm, referring to the lack of volcanic activity. As a B2 learner, you will also frequently hear ruhig used as a modal particle to mean go ahead and do something or without worrying, but in this sentence, it is simply an adjective describing the crater.
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