Conditionals without wenn
B2 · Upper-Intermediate · Style & Precision
The rule
Verb first gives conditional meaning.
How it works
In formal German, a condition can be expressed without wenn by putting the verb first and using the Konjunktiv II: Hätte ich Zeit, würde ich kommen (If I had time, I would come). The verb-first structure is common in written German and in formal speech. Sollte plus infinitive is used for a more remote possibility.
When to use it
Express a condition by putting the verb first, which is common in formal German: "Käme er, würde ich gehen" (If he came, I would leave).
Use cases
- Writing formal letters: Sollten Sie Fragen haben, melden Sie sich
- Expressing an unreal condition: Wäre es nicht so teuer, würde ich das kaufen
- Expressing a possible future condition: Sollte es regnen, sagen wir ab
Examples
- Hätte ich Zeit, käme ich – Had I time, I would come
- Käme er früher, könnten wir gemeinsam essen. – If he came earlier, we could eat together.
- Sollte sich etwas ändern, informieren wir Sie. – Should anything change, we will inform you.
- Hätte ich das gewusst, wäre ich nicht gekommen. – Had I known that, I would not have come.
Common mistake
Using the normal word order with the verb in the middle; the verb must come first.
Memory tip
Verb first + Konjunktiv II = a formal if-clause.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Verbs and Word Order: Tenses, Modals and Sentence Structure.