Mastering Als, Wenn, and Wann in German

Introduction

Understanding the difference between als, wenn, and wann is essential for mastering German. These words all relate to time but are used in different contexts. This guide will explain how to use each one correctly.

When to Use "Als", "Wenn", and "Wann" in German

The words als, wenn, and wann help express time in German, but they are not interchangeable. Knowing when to use each word is important for clear communication.

Wann is used for direct and indirect questions about time.
Als is used for single events in the past.
Wenn is used for repeated events, conditions, or future events.

Using "Wann" for Questions About Time

The word wann is used when asking or reporting about time. It appears in both direct and indirect questions.

You can read more about the topic here:

Examples with "Wann"

German Sentence	English Translation
Wann beginnt der Unterricht?	When does the class start?
Kannst du mir sagen, wann der Zug ankommt?	Can you tell me when the train arrives?
Wann hast du Geburtstag?	When is your birthday?
Weißt du, wann sie kommt?	Do you know when she is coming?

Using "Als" for Single Past Events

The word als is used to refer to single events that happened in the past. It sets the time frame for a past action.

Examples with "Als"

German Sentence	English Translation
Als ich ein Kind war, spielte ich im Park.	When I was a child, I played in the park.
Er rief mich an, als er angekommen war.	He called me when he had arrived.
Als sie den Brief las, weinte sie.	When she read the letter, she cried.
Wir trafen uns, als die Sonne unterging.	We met when the sun was setting.

Using "Wenn" for Repeated Events and Conditions

Hand holding alarm clock to illustrate time concepts in German Als, Wenn, and Wann.

The word wenn is used for events that happen repeatedly, conditions, and future events. It can mean "when" or "if" depending on the context. In German temporal sentences it means when.

Examples with "Wenn"

German Sentence	English Translation
Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause.	When it rains, I stay at home.
Ich besuche dich, wenn ich Zeit habe.	I will visit you when I have time.
Wenn wir Urlaub haben, fahren wir ans Meer.	When we have vacation, we go to the sea.
Er lächelt, wenn er sie sieht.	He smiles when he sees her.

Conclusion

Using "als", "wenn", and "wann" correctly helps you express time relationships in German accurately. Remember:

Use wann for questions about time.
Use als for single events in the past.
Use wenn for repeated events, conditions, and future events.

Practice using these words in sentences to become more confident in your German skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use "wenn" for past events?

Yes, but only for repeated past events or conditions. For single past events, use "als."

Is "wann" used in statements?

"Wann" is mainly used in questions, both direct and indirect, about time.

How do I choose between "als" and "wenn"?

Use "als" for single events in the past and "wenn" for repeated events or conditions, regardless of the time frame.

Can "wenn" mean "if" and "when"?

Yes, "wenn" can mean both "if" and "when" depending on the context.

Are there any exceptions to these rules?

While these guidelines cover most situations, language usage can vary. Exposure to native speech will help you understand nuances.