ConjunctionA2

als

than (in comparisons after a comparative) · as (in the function or role of) · when (for a single event in the past) · as if (in the phrase 'als ob' or 'als wenn')

Als is a common German conjunction used to compare things, to say 'as' or 'than', and to talk about a single event in the past. It also appears in phrases like 'als ob' (as if) and 'nichts als' (nothing but).

What als means

  1. than (in comparisons after a comparative) — Used after a comparative adjective or adverb, e.g. größer als (bigger than).
  2. as (in the function or role of) — Used to indicate a role, function, or capacity, e.g. als Lehrer (as a teacher).
  3. when (for a single event in the past) — Used to introduce a subordinate clause referring to a one-time event in the past, e.g. Als ich ankam... (When I arrived...).
  4. as if (in the phrase 'als ob' or 'als wenn') — Used to introduce an unreal comparison, often with subjunctive, e.g. Er tut so, als ob er schliefe (He acts as if he were sleeping).

Heard in real German videos

Lines where als was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.

  • Nichts als Hügel, Hügel, Hügel.Nothing but hills, hills, hills.
  • Ich gehe als Hühnchen.I'm going as a chicken.

Example sentences

  • Sie ist größer als ich.She is taller than me.
  • Er arbeitet als Lehrer.He works as a teacher.
  • Als ich ein Kind war, spielte ich oft im Park.When I was a child, I often played in the park.
  • Er tut so, als ob er nichts gehört hätte.He acts as if he hadn't heard anything.

Grammar

Typesubordinating conjunction
Verb positionverb goes to the end in the subordinate clause
Comparisonused after comparative adjectives/adverbs
Past timeused only for single past events, not repeated

When als introduces a subordinate clause, the conjugated verb goes to the end of that clause.

Common phrases

  • als obas if
  • nichts alsnothing but
  • als Erstesfirst of all, first
  • als Kindas a child

The mistake English speakers make

English speakers often confuse 'als' and 'wenn' for 'when'. Use 'als' only for a single event in the past; use 'wenn' for repeated events or in the present/future.

Don’t confuse it with

  • wenn — Wenn is used for repeated events or conditions, while als is used for a single past event.
  • wie — Wie is used for 'as' in comparisons of equality (so...wie), while als is used after comparatives (more...than).

Questions learners ask

What is the difference between 'als' and 'wenn'?

Use 'als' for a single event in the past, and 'wenn' for repeated events in the past or for events in the present or future.

How do you use 'als' in comparisons?

Use 'als' after a comparative adjective or adverb, e.g. 'besser als' (better than).

What does 'als ob' mean?

'Als ob' means 'as if' and is used to introduce an unreal comparison, often with the subjunctive mood.

Related words

wennwie