German word

wenn

Pronunciation

IPA/vɛn/

Meaning

  • conjunctionif

Example

Ich komme, wenn ich Zeit habe.

I'll come if I have time.

Illustration for wenn (if)

More examples

Wenn möglich, bringe ich Kuchen mit.

If possible, I will bring cake.

Core concept

A gate opens only when a condition holds, or exactly as another event occurs.

Common phrases

  • wenn möglich

    if possible

  • wenn ich Zeit habe

    if I have time

  • wenn es regnet

    if it rains

Similar words

falls: Introduces a condition under which a result may occur.
wann: Asks at what time an event occurs.
sobald: Marks that one event begins immediately after another.
als: Marks the time of a single event in the past.

Definition in German

Subordinierende Konjunktion, die anzeigt, dass ein Ereignis unter einer Bedingung eintritt oder zeitlich mit einem anderen zusammenfällt; in Bedingungssätzen oft mit falls austauschbar.

Word origin

Wenn developed from Old High German wan(n)e through Middle High German wenne and is related to English when; its conditional sense grew from its temporal use.

Usage tips

  • Wenn introduces conditions and non-question time clauses, whereas wann belongs in direct and indirect questions about time.

Other meanings

  • whenconjunction

Word lists with this word