Using Wenn and Wann
“wenn” and “wann” both translate to “when” in English, but they are used in different contexts and have distinct meanings.
TL;DR
Use wann when asking about a specific time or point in time.
Use wenn to introduce conditional clauses or describe recurring events or
situations in the past.
wann
- Used to ask about a specific point in time.
- Typically used in direct or indirect questions.
- Directly translate to “when” in the context of asking about time.
e.g.
Direct question: Wann kommst du an? (When do you arrive?)
Indirect question: Kannst du mir sagen, wann du ankommst? (Can you tell me when
you arrive?)
wenn
- Used to describe conditional situations or when talking about a recurring even or situation in the past.
- Translates to “if” or “when” in English, depending on the context.
- It introduces a condition or a hypothetical situation.
e.g.
Conditional: Wenn es regnet, beliben wir zu hause. (If it rains, we stay at
home.)
Recurring event: Wenn ich nach Berlin fuhr, besuchte ich immer das Museum.
(Whenever I went to Berlin, I always visited the museum.)