TOPIC · Sentence structure & conjunctions

Unreal comparative clauses with als, als ob and als wenn

B1B2

After this lesson, learners will be able to correctly form and use unreal comparison sentences in German.

In this lesson, we will explore unreal comparisons in German, which use the Konjunktiv II form with the conjunctions "als", "als ob", and "als wenn". These structures are used to express hypothetical comparisons, suggesting a situation that does not correspond to reality.

1. Using "als ob"

The conjunction "als ob" is used in a subordinate clause that takes the Konjunktiv II form, while the main clause remains in the indicative. Here are some examples:

ExampleTranslation
Er spricht, als ob er ein Experte wäre.He speaks as if he were an expert.
Du tust so, als ob du alles wüsstest.You act as if you know everything.

Subordinate clauses with "als ob" often answer a question about “how”:

  • Question: How does he speak?
  • Answer: He speaks as if he were an expert.

2. Using "als wenn"

"Als wenn" serves a similar purpose as "als ob" and is frequently used in spoken language. Here are some examples:

ExampleTranslation
Sie weint, als wenn sie den besten Freund verloren hätte.She cries as if she had lost her best friend.
Er behandelt sie, als wenn sie ein Kind wäre.He treats her as if she were a child.

It is important to note that in spoken language, Konjunktiv II is sometimes replaced by the indicative, particularly in informal contexts.

3. Using "als"

The structure with "als" is also employed for hypothetical comparisons and is a special form of the subordinate clause. In this case, the main clause typically features the Konjunktiv II form:

ExampleTranslation
Er sieht aus, als hätte er die ganze Nacht nicht geschlafen.He looks as if he hadn't slept all night.
Sie handelt, als wäre sie die Chefin.She acts as if she were the boss.

In summary, unreal comparison sentences using the conjunctions "als", "als ob", and "als wenn" are used to create comparisons that do not correspond to reality, usually in the past.

After this lesson, learners will be able to correctly form and use unreal comparison sentences in German.