Konjunktion sobald
B1 · Intermediate · Advanced Structures
The rule
sobald = as soon as.
How it works
Sobald (as soon as) introduces a clause about an event that happens immediately after another event. The verb goes to the end: Sobald ich fertig bin, rufe ich dich an. It is used for future and past events alike, and it describes a single event, not a repeated one.
When to use it
Use sobald (as soon as) for an action that happens immediately after another, with the verb at the end.
Use cases
- Making a plan: Sobald der Bus kommt, fahren wir los
- Describing a quick reaction: Sobald ich das Ergebnis weiß, sage ich Bescheid
- Describing a past event: Sobald er das Haus verlassen hatte, regnete es
Examples
- Sobald ich fertig bin, rufe ich dich an – As soon as I am done I call
- Sobald du Zeit hast, besuchen wir dich. – As soon as you have time, we will visit you.
- Ich schreibe dir, sobald ich angekommen bin. – I will write to you as soon as I arrive.
- Sobald die Sonne scheint, gehen wir schwimmen. – As soon as the sun shines, we go swimming.
Common mistake
Using sobald for a repeated event; it refers to one event that follows immediately.
Memory tip
Sobald = as soon as: "Sobald ich fertig bin, rufe ich dich an."
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Verbs and Word Order: Tenses, Modals and Sentence Structure.