Level: A2-B1

wenn vs wann

When to Use

wenn means 'if' (conditional) or 'whenever' (repeated). wann means 'when' as a question word (direct and indirect questions). Common mistake: using 'wann' for 'if' — that's always 'wenn'.

Comparison

	wenn	wann
Meaning	if / whenever	when? (question)
Clause type	Conditional / temporal	Question (direct & indirect)
Repeated events	Yes	No
In questions	No	Yes

Examples

Correct

Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause.

Wrong

Wann es regnet, bleibe ich...

Rule: wenn for conditions (if it rains)

Correct

Ich weiß nicht, wann er kommt.

Wrong

Ich weiß nicht, wenn er kommt.

Rule: wann in indirect questions (when = at what time?)

Correct

Wenn ich Zeit habe, lese ich. (whenever)

Wrong

Wann ich Zeit habe, lese ich.

Rule: wenn for repeated situations (whenever I have time)

Tips

If you can replace it with 'if' or 'whenever' → wenn. If you can replace with 'at what time?' → wann.

wann only appears in questions or after verbs like wissen, fragen, sagen.

Similar Comparisons

als vs wenn

weil vs denn

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