"wann" vs. "wenn"

This is a source of frustration for so many German learners. "Wann" and "wenn" are too similar and as a result, lots of people mix them up.

They both mean when, however when you use them is completely different.

Are you ready to learn which word to use when?

And do you want a free PDF to help you remember how to use it in the future?

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Los geht’s!

Which “when” is “when”?

First you need to clearly differentiate the two words “wann” and “wenn.”

So benutzen Sie “wann”:

"Wann" is used exclusively for Fragen (questions). It always requests a time, whether it’s exact or general.

Zum Beispiel:

Wann fängt der Deutschkurs an?    Am Donnerstag um 18.30 Uhr.
Wann kommt der Zug?    Um 17.12 Uhr.
Wann lernen wir Präteritum?    Erst ab Niveau A2.

Und so benutzen Sie „wenn“:

"Wenn" is used to create a Nebensatz. It is used to give additional information so the rest of the sentence makes sense. A Nebensatz always has the verb at the end and must be joined to another sentence!

 Zum Beispiel:

Ich bestelle immer einen Latte macchiato, wenn ich im Café Einstein bin.
Wenn ich krank bin, trinke ich heißes Wasser mit Zitrone.
Wenn Marlena ihre Freundin trifft, schenkt sie ihrer Freundin das Buch.

Zusammenfassung:

Remember: if it’s a question asking for a time, then use WANN.

WANN ist die FRAGE.

If it’s a clause providing further information, use WENN.

Benutzen Sie "wenn", wenn Sie mehr Informationen sagen müßen.

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