ob
if · whether
Dieses Wort benutzt man, wenn man nicht sicher ist, ob etwas passiert oder stimmt. Es leitet oft einen Nebensatz ein, in dem eine Frage steckt.
The German word "ob" is a subordinating conjunction meaning "if" or "whether". It is used to introduce indirect yes/no questions or express uncertainty.
- It is a single word, not composed of other meaningful parts.
Similar words:
- "wenn" (if/when)
- "falls" (in case)
- "sofern" (provided that)
Differences:
- "ob" is used specifically for indirect yes/no conditions, e.g., Ich weiß nicht, ob er kommt (I don't know if he is coming).
- "wenn" and "falls" introduce conditional clauses, often implying "if" in an assumed or factual sense.
- "sofern" is more formal and implies a condition or proviso.
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Examples
Weißt du, ob er kommt?conjunction
Do you know if he is coming?
Er fragt, ob du morgen Zeit hast.conjunction
He is asking if you have time tomorrow.
Wir wissen nicht, ob er kommt.conjunction
We don't know if he is coming.
Fragst du, ob das stimmt?conjunction
Are you asking if that's true?
Kannst du mir sagen, ob das richtig ist?conjunction
Can you tell me if that is correct?
Er sieht, ob sie zu Hause ist.conjunction
He sees whether she is at home.
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