selbst wenn
/zɛlpst vɛn/word by word
The English phrase "even if" is translated into German as selbst wenn.
A conjunction used to introduce a condition that does not change the main result.
Which one should you use?
The phrase auch wenn is a common synonym for selbst wenn and can often be used interchangeably in most contexts. Wenn auch is a more formal alternative to selbst wenn used to express a concessive condition.
How does it change in a sentence?
The conjunction selbst wenn introduces a subordinate clause, which means the conjugated verb must move to the end of that clause.
How do you pronounce it?
/zɛlpst vɛn/
Did you know?
- In very old German, the root of selbst meant 'separate' or 'apart', rather than just 'the same person'.
- German has several ways to say 'if' depending on whether the event is possible or purely hypothetical, but selbst wenn works for both.
- In certain regional dialects, particularly in parts of the south, you might hear people use obwohl to express a similar concessive meaning, though it functions slightly differently grammatically.
Examples in context
- Ich muß gehen, selbst wenn es regnet.I have to go even if it rains.This sentence shows how to use selbst wenn with a verb at the end of the clause.Tatoeba #693585 by Esperantostern, translation #40761 by CK
- Er spielt Golf, selbst wenn es regnet.He'll play golf even if it rains.Tatoeba #1696211 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #916021 by CK
- Tom muss gehen, selbst wenn es regnet.Tom has to go even if it rains.This sentence provides another example of selbst wenn in a subordinate clause.Tatoeba #1944532 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1025272 by CK
- Selbst wenn es regnet, werde ich kommen.Even if it rains, I will come.
- Auch wenn ich müde bin, werde ich weiterarbeiten.Even if I am tired, I will keep working.
- Sogar wenn du recht hast, werde ich nicht nachgeben.Even if you're right, I won't give in.
- Egal, ob es regnet oder nicht, wir gehen ins Kino.Even if it rains or not, we're going to the cinema.
- 95 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are discussing a difficult decision about a job.
- LukasNimmst du das Jobangebot an?Will you take the job offer?
- JuliaJa, selbst wenn die Arbeit sehr stressig ist.Yes, even if the work is very stressful.
- LukasBist du dir da sicher, Julia?Are you sure about that, Julia?
- JuliaJa, ich möchte diese Chance nutzen.Yes, I want to take this chance.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry selbst wenn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (selbst, wenn) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries selbst, selbst wenn, wenn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
