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GERMAN GRAMMAR · B1

German hypothetical sentences: wenn, hätte, wäre and würde

For an imagined condition, use a wenn clause with a hypothetical verb form. The result can use a short form such as hätte, wäre or könnte, or a form of würde plus an infinitive. An initial condition is followed immediately by the main clause’s conjugated verb.

An imagined condition is not a numerical probability

The form presents a situation at a distance from the current discussion. It does not tell you an exact likelihood or necessarily make the situation impossible. The same grammatical distance can make requests more polite. Context distinguishes a wish, a polite question and an unreal condition.

Wenn Nora mehr Platz hätte, würde sie ein Klavier kaufen.

If Nora had more space, she would buy a piano.

Choose one complete verb construction

In Nora hätte mehr Platz, the short form already carries the hypothetical meaning. Do not combine it with another finite helper: würde hätte is not this construction. With würde, use an infinitive such as kaufen. The helper changes for the person: du würdest, wir würden.

Wir würden näher am Bahnhof wohnen.

We would live closer to the station.

Let the initial clause occupy one position

Think of the entire initial condition as the first part of the main-clause structure. The finite verb follows the comma, then the subject. A supplied verb gap can check an ending, but choosing between whole sentences is how you practise this ordering distinction.

Wenn der Weg kürzer wäre, könnten wir zu Fuß gehen.

If the journey were shorter, we could go on foot.

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References

Original explanations and examples informed by grammar references. Level placement is an editorial teaching choice.