if / provided that
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if / provided that
Introduces a condition that must be fulfilled for something to apply or happen. It means approximately “if” or “provided that.”
Sofern das Wetter gut bleibt, fahren wir morgen ans Meer.
Provided that the weather stays good, we're going to the seaside tomorrow.
as far as
Qualifies a statement and means “as far as” or “to the extent that” something is true.
Die Angaben sind korrekt, sofern ich das beurteilen kann.
The information is correct, as far as I can judge.
'Sofern' introduces a subordinate clause, so the conjugated verb comes at the end of the subordinate clause. The subordinate clause can come before or after the main clause.
Wir verschieben den Ausflug, sofern das Wetter morgen schlecht wird.
We'll postpone the trip if the weather is bad tomorrow.
'Sofern' is especially common in written, factual, and formal texts, such as rules, contracts, or official information.
Die Anmeldung ist möglich, sofern alle erforderlichen Unterlagen vorliegen.
Registration is possible provided that all the required documents are available.
When it expresses a condition, 'sofern' is often used with 'nicht' when an exception or obstacle is mentioned. The condition must be fulfilled for the action in the main clause to take place.
Sofern es nicht regnet, essen wir heute Abend im Garten.
If it doesn't rain, we'll eat in the garden this evening.
When qualifying a statement, 'sofern' often forms short insertions such as 'sofern möglich' (if possible) or 'sofern ich das beurteilen kann' (as far as I can judge). Such insertions show that the statement applies only from a certain perspective or to a certain extent.
Die Teilnehmer sollten, sofern möglich, mit öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln anreisen.
If possible, participants should travel by public transport.
