Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| wenn | /vɛn/ |
| falls | /fals/ |
Both wenn and falls can mean 'if', but they are used in different contexts. wenn is the general-purpose word for 'if' or 'whenever', while falls is used to emphasize the possibility of a single, specific event occurring, similar to 'in the event that'. Additionally, the noun Wenn can refer to a theoretical condition.
Which one should you use?
wenn is the general word for 'if', whereas falls is used specifically to emphasize the possibility of a single, specific event occurring (equivalent to 'in the event that').
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When wenn introduces a subordinate clause, the conjugated verb must move to the very end of that clause.
How do you pronounce it?
/vɛn/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse wenn with wann. wenn means 'if' or 'whenever', but wann is used only for the question 'when' regarding time.
Did you know?
- The word falls is derived from the noun Fall, which means 'case' or 'fall' as in a drop.
- There is a German idiom wenn schon, used to concede a point while still qualifying it, similar to saying 'if it must be so' or 'if we are going that far'.
- German uses wenn to create 'irreal' sentences, such as Wenn ich ein Vogel wäre ('If I were a bird'), which triggers a specific mood called the Konjunktiv II.
Examples in context
- Komm, wenn du kannst!Come if you can.This sentence uses wenn to express a condition of ability.Tatoeba #2968505 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #450074 by CK
- Ich komme, wenn nötig.I'll come if necessary.This sentence uses wenn to express a condition of necessity.Tatoeba #9353187 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #318267 by CK
- Er darf, wenn er will.He may do that if he wants to.This sentence uses wenn to express a condition of desire or permission.Tatoeba #12286836 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7400063 by CH
- Wenn ich Zeit habe, komme ich zur Besprechung.If I have time, I will come to the meeting.
- Bitte informieren Sie mich, wenn der Termin sich ändert.Please inform me if the appointment changes.
- Falls Sie Fragen haben, stehe ich Ihnen gerne zur Verfügung.If you have any questions, I am at your disposal.
- Bitte teilen Sie uns mit, falls sich Ihre Adresse ändert.Please let us know if your address changes.
- Wenn du Zeit hast, können wir ins Kino gehen.If you have time, we can go to the cinema.
- Sag Bescheid, wenn du Hilfe brauchst.Let me know if you need help.
- Falls du noch Fragen hast, kannst du mich gerne fragen.If you still have questions, feel free to ask me.
- Ruf mich an, falls du zu spät kommst.Call me if you are running late.
- Sofern Sie einverstanden sind, werden wir den Vertrag unterzeichnen.If you agree, we will sign the contract.
- 7797 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are planning a weekend trip.
- FelixWir fahren am Samstag, wenn das Wetter gut ist.We will go on Saturday if the weather is good.
- HannahUnd wenn es regnet?And if it rains?
- FelixWenn es regnet, bleiben wir zu Hause.If it rains, we will stay at home.
- HannahDas ist ein guter Plan, Felix.That is a good plan, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “if” translations and entries wenn, falls, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries falls, wenn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
