A condition does not certify its own truth
Sofern often frames a proviso in careful language; falls explicitly presents a condition. Neither word gives a fixed probability that the condition will hold. Keep the subordinate finite verb last and let context establish likelihood.
Sofern Nora zustimmt, beginnen wir morgen.
Provided that Nora agrees, we will start tomorrow.
Name the exception without an automatic negative
First state the plan, then the circumstance that would block it. An unnecessary nicht can reverse the intended exception. The clause after es sei denn can use verb-second order; a following dass clause instead uses final verb order.
Wir kommen, es sei denn, wir werden krank.
We will come unless we become ill.
A verb-first clause can be a condition
A finite verb at the start does not automatically make the whole sentence a question. In the complete conditional construction, the second clause states an outcome or instruction. The comma and context reveal the relationship.
Hast du Fragen, wende dich an Nora.
If you have questions, contact Nora.
Practise this pattern
The matching block includes guided questions, a separate mastery check and spaced review. The first 10 blocks and two samples at each higher level are free; other blocks require course access or an eligible seven-day trial. These tasks practise specific grammar patterns and do not certify a complete language level.
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References
Original explanations and examples informed by grammar references. Level placement is an editorial teaching choice.