How to Say “It Depends” in German
The Most Common Translation: “Es kommt darauf an”
The most widely used German equivalent for “it depends” is es kommt darauf an. This phrase literally translates to “it depends on that” or “it comes down to that.” It is used in a similar way to the English expression and fits most contexts where you want to express that something is conditional or not certain.
Example Sentences with “Es kommt darauf an”
- Willst du heute ins Kino gehen? – Es kommt darauf an, wie spät es wird.
(Do you want to go to the cinema today? – It depends on how late it gets.) - Bekommen wir morgen frei? – Es kommt darauf an, ob das Wetter gut ist.
(Will we get the day off tomorrow? – It depends on whether the weather is good.)
Variations and Other Ways to Express “It Depends”
1. “Es hängt davon ab”
Another frequently used version is es hängt davon ab, which literally means “it hangs on that.” This phrase is interchangeable with “es kommt darauf an” in most situations, and German speakers often use both.
- Ob wir gewinnen, hängt davon ab, wie gut wir spielen.
(Whether we win depends on how well we play.)
2. Using “abhängen von” for Specific Conditions
When you want to specify exactly what something depends on, you can use the verb abhängen von (to depend on). For example:
- Es hängt vom Wetter ab.
(It depends on the weather.) - Das hängt von dir ab.
(That depends on you.)
3. Informal Ways to Say “It Depends”
In casual conversation, Germans might use shorter responses, such as:
- Mal sehen.
(We’ll see.) - Vielleicht.
(Maybe.)
While these don’t translate directly as “it depends,” they can be used similarly in informal settings when you want to avoid a definite answer.
When to Use “Es kommt darauf an” in German Conversations
Just like in English, you can use “es kommt darauf an” or “es hängt davon ab” to:
- Express uncertainty or indecision
- Show that your answer depends on specific factors
- Politely avoid giving a direct yes or no answer
For language learners, mastering this phrase is important for sounding natural and keeping conversations flowing smoothly. It’s a great phrase to use if you need more time to think or if you want to clarify the conditions of a situation.
Tips for Practicing and Using “It Depends” in German
- Practice with Context: Try forming your own sentences using “es kommt darauf an” or “es hängt davon ab” based on real-life scenarios.
- Listen to Native Speakers: Watch German TV shows or listen to podcasts to hear how native speakers use these phrases in context.
- Use Talkpal’s AI Conversation Tools: Take advantage of interactive language learning platforms like Talkpal to practice speaking and get instant feedback when using new phrases.
Conclusion
Knowing how to say “it depends” in German—whether you use “es kommt darauf an,” “es hängt davon ab,” or the verb “abhängen von”—will make your conversations more dynamic and authentic. Incorporate these phrases into your daily practice, and don’t hesitate to use language learning resources like Talkpal to boost your confidence and fluency. Viel Erfolg beim Deutschlernen! (Good luck learning German!)
