Grammar · A2 · Nebensatz
wenn & als
wenn = when/whenever (present/future) or if. als = when for a single past event. Verb last in both: Wenn ich Zeit habe… / Als ich ankam…
Bridges
EN when / whenever / when (past)
PT quando / quando (passado)
ES cuando / cuando (pasado)
FR quand / lorsque
Forms: Which “when”?
when / whenever (present, future, habits)
also ≈ if
when (one past event / story beat)
?
when? (question word — not a conjunction)
/
same Nebensatz order as weil/dass
Forms: Frames
, …
When I have time, …
, …
When the train comes, …
, …
When I arrived, …
, …
When I changed trains, …
, …
If you want, … (formal)
Examples
, .
When I have time, I learn.
, .
When I arrived, it was late.
, .
If/when the train is delayed, I wait.
, .
When I changed, the S-Bahn was full.
, .
Call me when you're there.
, .
When we were in Berlin, it rained.
, .
If you need help, let us know.
Common mistakes
- Using wenn for a single past story beat — prefer als.
- Using als for habits or future (*Als ich Zeit habe* → Wenn…).
- Leaving the verb in slot 2 after wenn/als.
- Confusing wann? (question) with wenn (conjunction).
When you use it in Berlin
Delays and plans: Wenn der Zug kommt… Als ich umgestiegen bin… Wenn Sie einen Termin brauchen…
Quick check
1/2
Past single event:
___ , .
Tap the best answer