Wir spielen im Garten, selbst wenn es regnet.

Wir spielen im Garten, selbst wenn es regnet.
We play in the garden, even if it rains.
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Questions & Answers about Wir spielen im Garten, selbst wenn es regnet.

Why is there a comma before selbst wenn in this sentence?
In German, subordinate clauses introduced by conjunctions like selbst wenn always require a comma. The comma marks the boundary between the main clause (Wir spielen im Garten) and the subordinate clause (selbst wenn es regnet).
Why is regnet (the verb) placed at the end of selbst wenn es regnet?
Because selbst wenn is a subordinating conjunction. In German subordinate clauses, the conjugated verb must go to the very end. So the subject es comes right after the conjunction, and regnet appears last.
What is the function of es in selbst wenn es regnet?
Weather verbs like regnen need an impersonal subject in German. That subject is always es, much like English uses it in “it’s raining.” It doesn’t refer to anything concrete—it just fills the grammatical subject slot.
Why do we say im Garten instead of in den Garten or in Garten?
  • The preposition in expresses location here (where we play), so it takes the dative case.
  • The dative masculine article dem combines with in to form the contraction im.
  • Therefore in dem Garten becomes im Garten (not in den Garten, which would imply movement into the garden).
What’s the difference between selbst wenn and auch wenn?
  • Both translate as even if.
  • auch wenn is the neutral, everyday way to introduce a condition: even if it rains.
  • selbst wenn is stronger or more emphatic, stressing “even under (hypothetically) the worst condition.”
Why not use obwohl instead of selbst wenn?
  • obwohl means although and introduces a fact: “although it is raining” (the rain is real).
  • selbst wenn introduces a hypothetical scenario: “even if it should rain” (rain may or may not occur).
    Use obwohl for actual facts; use selbst wenn for hypothetical or potential situations.
Can I start the sentence with selbst wenn es regnet? What changes in word order?

Yes. When a subordinate clause comes first, you still need a comma, and then the main clause follows with verb–subject inversion:
Example:
Selbst wenn es regnet, spielen wir im Garten.
Notice that spielen (the verb) now comes immediately after the comma, before the subject wir.

What is the standard word order in the main clause Wir spielen im Garten?

German main clauses follow the Verb-second (V2) rule:

  1. Position 1: subject (Wir)
  2. Position 2: verb (spielen)
  3. Further elements: adverbials or objects (here im Garten)
    You can swap what’s in position 1 (for emphasis), but the verb must stay in second position.
Are there alternative ways to express “even if it rains” in German?

Yes. A few common options:

  • auch wenn es regnet, spielen wir im Garten.
  • Es regnet, trotzdem spielen wir im Garten. (trotzdem = nevertheless)
  • Trotz des Regens spielen wir im Garten. (trotz
    • genitive)
      Each variant has slightly different nuance or structure, but they all convey “we play in the garden despite rain.”