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nur wenn
/nuːɐ̯ vɛn/
only if
Ich gehe spazieren, nur wenn die Sonne scheint.
I'll go for a walk only if the sun is shining.
formal
A conditional conjunction expressing that something happens or is true solely under a specific condition.
Du bekommst den Job, nur wenn du die Prüfung bestehst.
You'll get the job only if you pass the exam.
Ich kaufe das Auto, nur wenn es weniger als 10.000 Euro kostet.
I'll buy the car only if it costs less than 10,000 euros.
Common in both spoken and written German, often used in business, legal, and everyday contexts to set strict conditions.
Collocations
nur wenn nötigonly if necessarynur wenn es regnetonly if it rains
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Conditional Logic
In German, 'nur wenn' is often used in conditional sentences where the condition is strict and non-negotiable. Unlike 'wenn' alone, 'nur wenn' implies that the condition is the sole determining factor.
Gold Rule
Position in Sentence
'Nur wenn' typically introduces the subordinate clause and is followed by the verb in the second position of the main clause. Example: 'Nur wenn du kommst, gehe ich.' (Only if you come, will I go.)
Word Origin
Combination of 'nur' (only) and 'wenn' (if), both of which have Old High German roots. 'Nur' derives from 'nu' (now) and evolved to emphasize exclusivity, while 'wenn' comes from the Proto-Germanic '*hwannaz' (when). The phrase emerged in Middle High German as a way to express strict conditions.
Usage Notes
Used to introduce a condition that must be met for the main clause to be valid. Similar to 'only if' in English but slightly more formal. Can be used interchangeably with 'nur für den Fall, dass' in more formal contexts.
Word Breakdown
nur
only
adverbwenn
if
conjunctionDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch