Learn Hardcore German: Falls du keine Lust mehr hast, können wir später etwas anderes machen. - If you have no desire anymore, we can do something else later.

Falls is a subordinating conjunction that means “if.” It introduces a conditional subordinate clause, setting up the condition under which the rest of the statement applies. In such clauses, German grammar requires that the conjugated verb be placed at the end.

What does the phrase keine Lust mehr hast mean?

The phrase literally translates to “have no desire anymore” or “don’t feel like it anymore.” It is a common expression used to indicate that someone is no longer interested in or willing to do something.

Why is the verb hast at the end of the subordinate clause?

In German subordinate clauses—introduced by conjunctions like falls—the finite verb is moved to the end of the clause. This is a standard rule in German syntax that helps distinguish subordinate clauses from main clauses.

Why does the main clause begin with können before the subject wir?

In German main clauses, the conjugated verb must always occupy the second position. Since this sentence begins with a subordinate clause, that clause takes the first position, so the finite verb können comes immediately after the comma, followed by the subject wir.

What does etwas anderes machen mean and how does it function in the sentence?

Etwas anderes machen means “to do something else.” In the sentence, it suggests that if you no longer feel like doing what was initially planned, an alternative activity can be done later. It provides the option for change based on the condition stated earlier.

What role does später play in the main clause?

Später means “later” and indicates the time reference for when the alternative activity might occur. It clarifies that the option to do something different is intended for a subsequent time, not immediately.