What Does “vorausgesetzt dass” Mean?
“Vorausgesetzt dass” is a German conjunction that translates to “provided that” or “assuming that” in English. It is used to introduce a condition that must be met for something else to happen. This conjunction is a great way to express conditional statements, especially in more formal or academic contexts.
When to Use “vorausgesetzt dass” in German
You should use “vorausgesetzt dass” when you want to specify a requirement or a precondition for an action or event. It is often used to clarify that something will only occur if a certain condition is fulfilled. This conjunction is similar in meaning to “sofern” or “falls,” but it is a bit more formal and explicit in its conditional nature.
Examples in Context
- Vorausgesetzt, dass das Wetter gut ist, machen wir morgen ein Picknick.
Provided that the weather is good, we will have a picnic tomorrow. - Du kannst am Kurs teilnehmen, vorausgesetzt, dass du dich rechtzeitig anmeldest.
You can attend the course, provided that you register in time. - Vorausgesetzt, dass er die Prüfung besteht, bekommt er das Zertifikat.
Assuming that he passes the exam, he will receive the certificate.
Grammar Rules for “vorausgesetzt dass”
“Vorausgesetzt dass” is a subordinating conjunction. This means that it introduces a subordinate clause, which affects the word order. The verb in the subordinate clause goes to the end of the clause.
Structure: Hauptsatz, vorausgesetzt, dass Nebensatz (Verb am Ende)
- Wir gehen schwimmen, vorausgesetzt, dass das Schwimmbad geöffnet ist.
We go swimming, provided that the swimming pool is open.
Alternatively, you can start the sentence with the subordinate clause for emphasis:
- Vorausgesetzt, dass das Schwimmbad geöffnet ist, gehen wir schwimmen.
Provided that the swimming pool is open, we go swimming.
Differences Between “vorausgesetzt dass” and Other Conditional Conjunctions
German has several ways to express conditions, such as “wenn” (if), “falls” (in case), and “sofern” (provided that). “Vorausgesetzt dass” is more formal and emphasizes the necessity of the condition more strongly than “wenn” or “falls.” It is particularly useful in written German or when you want to be very clear about the dependency between two events.
Tips for Mastering “vorausgesetzt dass”
- Practice forming sentences with “vorausgesetzt dass” to get used to the subordinate clause structure.
- Read German articles, books, or listen to podcasts and pay attention to how this phrase is used in context.
- Try substituting “wenn” or “falls” with “vorausgesetzt dass” to see how it changes the tone or formality of your sentences.
- Use AI-powered language learning platforms like Talkpal to get instant feedback and personalized exercises for mastering complex conjunctions in German.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not forget to send the verb to the end of the subordinate clause after “vorausgesetzt dass.”
- Do not use “vorausgesetzt dass” for casual or everyday conditional statements; it is best reserved for more formal or precise situations.
- Do not confuse “vorausgesetzt dass” with “angenommen, dass” (assuming that), which is similar but often used in hypothetical situations rather than strict conditions.
Conclusion
Using “vorausgesetzt dass” correctly will enhance your German language skills and allow you to express conditions clearly and formally. By understanding its meaning, structure, and proper context, you will be able to communicate more precisely. Remember to practice regularly and make use of helpful language learning resources such as Talkpal to accelerate your German learning journey.
