"falls" und "sofern"
"falls" and "sofern" (formal conditional)
Besides "wenn" there are two more precise, formal conditional connectors. Both introduce a subordinate clause (verb at the end).
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| falls | "in case" – stresses that something might happen |
| sofern | "provided that" – names a precondition |
Falls Sie Fragen haben, melden Sie sich. Sofern nichts anderes vereinbart wird, gilt der Standardpreis.
Note:
- "falls" ≈ "wenn", but stresses uncertainty (possibly).
- "sofern" ≈ "only if / provided that" (condition/restriction).
- Both: verb at the end, typical of formal letters and contracts.
Common mistakes
- ❌ Falls Sie Fragen haben? → ✅ Falls Sie Fragen haben, … (subordinate clause = no question mark; verb at the end).
- ❌ is "sofern" a contrast? No → "sofern" names a condition/precondition, not a contrast.
Examples:
- Falls es regnet, bleiben wir zu Hause. (In case it rains, we'll stay home.)
- Sofern die Zahlung eingeht, versenden wir die Ware. (Provided the payment arrives, we'll ship the goods.)
- Bitte informieren Sie uns, falls sich etwas ändert. (Please inform us in case something changes.)
___ Sie Fragen haben, melden Sie sich. (in case)