wenn
if
Introduces a subordinate clause that names a condition for the action in the main clause (conditional).
EXAMPLE
Wenn es morgen schön ist, gehen wir schwimmen.
If the weather is nice tomorrow, we'll go swimming.
wenn
if / when
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Meanings
wenn
when
Introduces a subordinate clause that describes a repeated event in the present, past, or future (temporal).
EXAMPLE
Immer wenn ich Musik höre, kann ich mich besser konzentrieren.
Whenever I listen to music, I can concentrate better.
wenn
when
Introduces a subordinate clause that describes a one-time event in the present or future (temporal).
EXAMPLE
Ruf mich an, wenn du am Bahnhof ankommst.
Call me when you arrive at the station.
wenn
even if / even though
Introduces a subordinate clause that expresses a contrast or limitation, often as 'auch wenn' (even if/even though) or 'selbst wenn' (even if) (concessive).
EXAMPLE
Auch wenn es anstrengend war, hat sich die Mühe gelohnt.
Even though it was exhausting, the effort was worth it.
Usage tips
Word order: verb at the end
'Wenn' (if/when) is a subordinating conjunction. The conjugated verb of the 'wenn' clause therefore always stands at the end.
EXAMPLE
Ich helfe dir, wenn ich mit meiner Arbeit fertig bin.
I'll help you when I am finished with my work.
Word order in the main clause
If a sentence begins with a 'wenn' clause, the 'wenn' clause occupies position 1. The following main clause must then begin with the verb (inversion).
EXAMPLE
Wenn du Zeit hast, können wir ins Kino gehen.
If you have time, we can go to the movies.
Condition or point in time?
'Wenn' can describe a condition (conditional) or a point in time (temporal). A condition answers the question 'Under what condition?'. A point in time answers the question 'When?'. The context makes the difference clear.
EXAMPLE
Wenn es regnet, wird die Straße nass. (Bedingung)
If it rains, the road will get wet. (condition)
Repeated actions
To emphasize that an action happens repeatedly, 'wenn' (when) is often combined with signal words such as 'immer' (always), 'jedes Mal' (every time), or 'oft' (often).
EXAMPLE
Immer wenn ich in diese Stadt komme, besuche ich das alte Café.
Whenever I come to this city, I visit the old café.
Making concessions
The fixed combinations 'auch wenn' (even if/even though) or 'selbst wenn' (even if) introduce a subordinate clause that names a counter-reason or limitation. The action in the main clause happens anyway.
EXAMPLE
Er ist zur Arbeit gegangen, auch wenn er sich nicht gut fühlte.
He went to work even though he wasn't feeling well.
Compare with
wenn vs als
than / when / as
Both words can connect a point in time with an event. „Als“ is typically used with a one-time event in the past, while „wenn“ is used with a one-time event in the present or future. Therefore, use „als“ for a past situation and „wenn“ for an upcoming situation.
wenn
Wenn der Bus morgen kommt, fahren wir sofort los.
When the bus arrives tomorrow, we'll leave right away.
als
Als der Bus gestern kam, fuhren wir sofort los.
When the bus arrived yesterday, we left right away.
In real life
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