01
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
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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 dass
that
'dass' and 'ob' both introduce subordinate clauses, but they have different functions. 'dass' is used when you give the content of a statement, opinion, or fact. 'ob' is used in an indirect yes/no question, that is, when something is uncertain. Learners often confuse the words because after both of them the verb comes at the end. A simple guide is: if you could ask 'yes or no?', 'ob' usually fits. If you are saying or knowing something as content, 'dass' fits.
ob
Die Klasse fragt die Ärztin, ob Sport nach der Impfung erlaubt ist.
The class asks the doctor whether sports are allowed after the vaccination.
dass
Ich hoffe, dass der Termin heute nicht lange dauert.
I hope that the appointment doesn't take long today.
In real life
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