A2 · GRAMMAR
Time subordinate clauses: als, wenn, bevor, bis
There are a few conjunctions to express time in subordinate clauses, and in all of them, the verb goes to the end. The most frequently confused pair: als and wenn. Use als for a one-time event in the past, and wenn for repeated or future events. Additionally, bevor (before) and bis (until) are very commonly used.
In this lesson
1. als = one-time in the past
A single past event or period.
Als ich Kind war, wohnte ich in Izmir.
When I was a child, I lived in Izmir.
2. wenn = every time / future
A repeated event or the future.
Wenn ich nach Hause komme, koche ich.
When I come home, I cook.
3. bevor
before.
Bevor ich schlafe, lese ich.
Before I sleep, I read.
4. bis
until.
Warte, bis ich komme.
Wait until I come.
5. Verb at the end
All of these are subordinate clauses: the conjugated verb is at the very end.
💡 When talking about the past, ask yourself: Did it happen once, or every time? Once → als. Every time → wenn (even in the past: immer wenn).