es sei denn
/ɛs zaɪ̯ ˈdɛn/
The German phrase for 'unless' is es sei denn.
es sei denn is a conjunction used to introduce the only condition or exception that would invalidate a previous statement.
How does it change in a sentence?
While es sei denn can be used alone with a main clause structure, it is often followed by the conjunction dass to introduce a subordinate clause. When you use es sei denn, dass, the verb must move to the end of the clause, just like in a standard German subordinate clause.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛs zaɪ̯ ˈdɛn/
Did you know?
- Centuries ago, this phrase contained a negation particle ne that vanished completely by the time Martin Luther wrote his translations.
Examples in context
- Komm nicht, es sei denn, ich bitte dich darum.Don't come unless I ask you.This sentence shows how to use es sei denn to set a condition for an action.Tatoeba #626180 by kolonjano, translation #11140716 by sundown
- Ich mähe den Rasen morgen, es sei denn es regnet.I'll mow the lawn tomorrow, unless it rains.This sentence illustrates using es sei denn to describe a conditional future event.Tatoeba #3486890 by al_ex_an_der, translation #3486754 by patgfisher
- Es gibt keinen Gott, es sei denn, du erfindest ihn.There is no God, unless you invent Him.This sentence demonstrates how es sei denn introduces a specific exception to a claim.Tatoeba #613131 by BraveSentry, translation #636260 by BraveSentry
- Ich werde nicht kommen, sofern das Treffen nicht verschoben wird.I will not come unless the meeting is rescheduled.
- Wir werden das Projekt nicht abschließen, außer wenn wir weitere Informationen erhalten.We will not complete the project unless we receive further information.
- Er wird die Präsentation nicht genehmigen, wenn nicht alle Anforderungen erfüllt sind.He will not approve the presentation unless all requirements are met.
- Ich gehe nicht mit, außer du überzeugst mich.I'm not coming unless you convince me.
- Ich komme nicht mit, wenn nicht gerade meine Lieblingssendung läuft.I won't come unless my favorite show is on.
- Ich werde den Vertrag nicht unterzeichnen, sofern nicht alle Bedingungen erfüllt sind.I will not sign the contract unless all conditions are met.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are discussing dinner plans.
- JulianIch koche heute, es sei denn, du möchtest lieber auswärts essen.I will cook today, unless you would prefer to eat out.
- LauraDas klingt super, ich bleibe gerne zu Hause.That sounds great, I'd love to stay home.
- JulianGut, ich gehe jetzt einkaufen.Good, I'm going shopping now.
- LauraBring bitte Brot mit, wenn es welche gibt.Please bring some bread if there is any.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry es sei denn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries denn, es, es sei denn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
