Vergleichssätze mit als ob und als wenn
Imaginary comparisons with Konjunktiv II. This detailed lesson includes explanations, model sentences, common error guidance, written practice and a self-checking quiz. Work through the sections in order, then practise producing your own examples.
Estimated study time: 25–40 minutes · Level: B2 · German examples with English support
Learning objectives
Understand the rule
Identify the structure, meaning and typical word order for this B2 grammar topic.
Use it accurately
Notice verb position, case, endings, punctuation and the relationship between clauses.
Produce original examples
Adapt the model sentences to your own study, work and everyday situations.
Check your learning
Complete the practice tasks and quiz. Review the explanations for any answer you miss.
1. Meaning
Als ob and als wenn introduce a comparison that presents something as if it were true, often though it is doubtful or unreal: “Er tut so, als ob er alles wüsste.”
In formal grammar teaching, these clauses commonly use Konjunktiv II to mark distance from reality. In everyday speech, indicative forms may also occur in some contexts, but Konjunktiv II is a key B2 pattern.
2. Word order
Als ob and als wenn introduce subordinate clauses, so the conjugated verb normally goes to the end: “Sie sieht aus, als ob sie müde wäre.”
The shorter pattern with als often has a different structure: “Er tut, als wäre nichts passiert.” The verb appears directly after als in this construction.
3. Forming Konjunktiv II
Common forms include wäre, hätte, könnte, müsste, würde + infinitive. Strong verbs may have a special form, such as käme or ginge. würde + infinitive is widely used when a distinct form is uncommon or sounds unnatural.
Match the comparison to the intended meaning: appearance, impression, pretence or hypothetical resemblance.
Model examples and close reading
Read the German sentence first, identify the target structure, then compare the English meaning and note the reason for the form.
Als ob introduces the subordinate clause; wüsste is at the end.
Wäre is Konjunktiv II of sein.
With the shorter als construction, the verb can immediately follow als.
Hätte is Konjunktiv II of haben.
Practice exercises
Write a complete German answer in each field. The checker compares your answer with a model solution and ignores differences in capitalisation and extra spaces. Alternative wording may be correct even if it is not recognised automatically; compare it with the model and explanation.
Study tip: after checking, cover the model and write the sentence again from memory. Then create one new example of your own.
Knowledge check: interactive quiz
Choose one answer for each question, then select “Check quiz” to see your score and explanations.
1. Which verb form completes “Sie tut so, als ob sie alles ___”?
2. Where does the conjugated verb normally go after als ob?
3. Which form is Konjunktiv II of sein?
4. Choose the correct sentence.
5. What meaning often appears in als-ob comparisons?
Independent production task
Writing challenge: Write a short paragraph of 80–120 words about learning, work, travel or a social issue. Use this lesson’s grammar structure at least three times. Underline the target forms and check the sentence structure, punctuation and meaning.
Speaking challenge: Explain the same topic aloud for one minute. Record yourself if possible, then note one accurate sentence and one sentence you want to improve.
Self-assessment checklist
- I can explain the purpose of this structure in my own words.
- I can recognise it in a written German text.
- I can form at least three original examples.
- I checked word order, case, endings and punctuation.
- I can correct at least one common error.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this lesson suitable for B2 learners?
It is designed as B2-level grammar practice. Learners may benefit from revising relevant A2/B1 structures before moving to more complex examples.
Are the exercises an official Goethe-Zertifikat test?
No. These are original practice materials for learning and revision, not official Goethe-Institut exam questions. Use them alongside the current official exam format and course materials.
Why does the quiz checker sometimes not accept my answer?
The automated checker uses model answers and a small set of accepted alternatives. German may allow other correct phrasings; compare your sentence with the rule and explanation rather than assuming every unrecognised answer is grammatically wrong.