Irrealis

Wenn ich Zeit hätte, würde ich mitkommen.

hätte / wäre + participle / infinitive patterns

Expresses contrary-to-fact situations.

Practical Examples

• Wenn ich mehr Zeit hätte, würde ich einen Sprachkurs machen.
• English: If I had more time, I would take a language course.
• Note: Expresses an unreal condition in the present; the speaker does not currently have more time.

• Ich würde dir gerne helfen, aber ich habe leider keine Zeit.
• English: I would gladly help you, but unfortunately, I don't have time.
• Note: Used to express a polite offer or desire that cannot be fulfilled due to a current circumstance.

• Hättest du mich früher informiert, hätten wir das Problem vermeiden können.
• English: If you had informed me earlier, we could have avoided the problem.
• Note: Describes an unreal condition in the past, implying regret or a missed opportunity.

• Könntest du mir bitte das Fenster öffnen?
• English: Could you please open the window for me?
• Note: Used for very polite requests, softening the directness of a command or question.

• Wenn ich im Lotto gewinnen würde, würde ich eine Weltreise machen.
• English: If I won the lottery, I would go on a world trip.
• Note: Expresses a hypothetical, unlikely, or unreal situation in the present/future.

• Er hätte den Zug fast verpasst, wenn er nicht gerannt wäre.
• English: He would have almost missed the train if he hadn't run.
• Note: Describes a past event that nearly happened but was avoided due to another action.

• Wüsstest du die Antwort, könntest du sie mir bitte sagen?
• English: If you knew the answer, could you please tell it to me?
• Note: Uses the direct Konjunktiv II form of wissen for a hypothetical present condition.

• Ich wäre jetzt lieber am Strand.
• English: I would rather be at the beach right now.
• Note: Expresses a wish or preference for a different current situation.

• Sie hätte es nicht geschafft, wenn du ihr nicht geholfen hättest.
• English: She wouldn't have managed it if you hadn't helped her.
• Note: A negative unreal condition in the past, highlighting the importance of a past action.

• Was würdest du tun, wenn du ein Jahr frei hättest?
• English: What would you do if you had a year off?
• Note: A question about a hypothetical, unreal present situation.

• Es wäre schön, wenn wir uns bald wieder sehen könnten.
• English: It would be nice if we could see each other again soon.
• Note: Expresses a polite wish or hope for a future event.

• Er hätte das nicht sagen sollen.
• English: He shouldn't have said that.
• Note: Expresses regret or criticism about a past action that was not ideal.

• Wenn ich du wäre, würde ich den Job annehmen.
• English: If I were you, I would take the job.
• Note: Used for giving advice based on a hypothetical, unreal situation.

• Hätten wir doch nur mehr Zeit gehabt!
• English: If only we had had more time!
• Note: Expresses a strong regret or wish about a past event.

• Würden Sie mir bitte erklären, wie das funktioniert?
• English: Would you please explain to me how that works?
• Note: A very formal and polite request, common in professional or unfamiliar settings.