ob
whether / if
Introduces a subordinate clause that forms an indirect yes/no question.
EXAMPLE
Ich weiß nicht, ob das Wetter morgen gut wird.
I don't know whether the weather will be good tomorrow.
ob
whether / if
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Meanings
als ob
as if
Introduces an unreal comparative clause; describes something that does not correspond to reality.
EXAMPLE
Es sieht so aus, als ob es gleich regnen würde.
It looks as if it is about to rain.
Usage tips
Context clue
The function of 'ob' (whether/if) changes when 'als' comes before it. 'Ob' by itself introduces an indirect question. The combination 'als ob' (as if) introduces an unreal comparison and describes something that does not correspond to reality.
EXAMPLE
Er fragt, ob du morgen Zeit hast.
He asks whether you have time tomorrow.
Word order
'Ob' (whether/if) is a subordinating conjunction. This means it introduces a subordinate clause, and the conjugated verb always comes at the end of that subordinate clause.
EXAMPLE
Niemand weiß, ob der Zug pünktlich ankommt.
No one knows whether the train will arrive on time.
Typical connections
'Ob' (whether/if) is very often used after verbs and expressions that express uncertainty, a question, or lack of knowledge. Typical verbs are 'fragen' (to ask), 'wissen' (to know), 'prüfen' (to check), 'überlegen' (to consider), or 'sich nicht sicher sein' (to be unsure).
EXAMPLE
Können Sie bitte prüfen, ob meine Reservierung korrekt ist?
Could you please check whether my reservation is correct?
Use with subjunctive II
The expression 'als ob' (as if) is almost always used with the Konjunktiv II to express that the comparison is unreal. The conjugated verb comes at the end of the clause.
EXAMPLE
Er redet so, als ob er alles wüsste.
He talks as if he knew everything.
Compare with
ob vs wenn
if / when
Both words can occur in a sentence with “if,” but they introduce different types of content. „Wenn“ states a condition, while „ob“ introduces an indirect yes/no question. So ask yourself whether something depends on a condition or whether you are reporting an unknown answer.
ob
Ich weiß noch nicht, ob der Bus pünktlich kommt.
I don't know yet whether the bus will arrive on time.
wenn
Wenn der Bus pünktlich kommt, erreichen wir den Zug.
If the bus arrives on time, we'll catch the train.
In real life
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