1.What this page explains
German can express conditional relations verbally or nominally. At C1, the goal is not mechanical replacement but controlled reformulation between an explicit subordinate clause and a compressed prepositional or nominal phrase.
wenn / falls / sofern + subordinate clause
↕
bei / mit / ohne / im Falle + noun phrase
This changes information density, register, visibility of the actor, and sometimes the logical nuance itself.
Goal: formulate, nominalise, and verbalise conditions precisely without losing meaning, modality, or reference.
2.1. What is being nominalised here
Conditional relations connect a condition with a possible consequence. In verbal style, the condition is often expressed as a subordinate clause; in denser written style, the same relation can be shifted into a prepositional or nominal phrase.
Wenn die Nachfrage steigt, erhöhen sich die Preise.
Bei steigender Nachfrage erhöhen sich die Preise.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
3.2. The basic model: condition → consequence
The core relation remains the same in both constructions: a statement holds only when a certain condition is met. Grammar changes the packaging of the condition, not automatically its logical function.
Falls die Genehmigung vorliegt, kann das Projekt beginnen.
Bei vorliegender Genehmigung kann das Projekt beginnen.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
4.3. Verbal vs nominal: not simply shorter
Nominalisation often increases information density. At the same time, elements that are explicit in a subordinate clause—subject, tense, modality, or process—may become implicit. The nominal version is therefore not merely an abbreviation; it often changes perspective.
Wenn die Behörde den Antrag genehmigt, ...
Bei Genehmigung des Antrags durch die Behörde ...
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
5.4. The four central nominal patterns
Four patterns are especially important for conditional compression: bei + dative, mit + dative, ohne + accusative, and im Falle + genitive / von + dative. They overlap, but they are not semantically interchangeable.
Bei ausreichender Finanzierung kann das Vorhaben umgesetzt werden.
Mit ausreichender Finanzierung kann das Vorhaben umgesetzt werden.
Ohne ausreichende Finanzierung kann das Vorhaben nicht umgesetzt werden.
Im Falle einer Finanzierungslücke muss das Konzept angepasst werden.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
6.5. wenn: the broadest verbal form
wenn can mark real, repeated, future, and general conditions. This breadth makes it flexible but also potentially ambiguous because wenn can also be interpreted temporally.
Wenn die Temperatur sinkt, steigt der Energieverbrauch.
Wenn die Sitzung beendet ist, informieren wir die Beteiligten.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
7.6. falls: hypothetical or cautious condition
falls typically signals that the speaker does not assume the condition will actually occur. In formal texts, falls is often more precise than neutral wenn when an eventuality is intended.
Falls Rückfragen auftreten, wenden Sie sich bitte an das Sekretariat.
Im Falle von Rückfragen wenden Sie sich bitte an das Sekretariat.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
8.7. sofern: condition with a limiting function
sofern often means roughly “provided that”. It is especially useful when a statement is explicitly limited to a particular scope. This is why it is common in administrative, technical, and legally influenced texts.
Sofern alle Unterlagen vollständig vorliegen, kann der Antrag geprüft werden.
Bei vollständigem Vorliegen aller Unterlagen kann der Antrag geprüft werden.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
9.8. bei + dative: condition as situation or circumstance
bei often describes a situational frame: when a certain state, process, or circumstance is present, the main statement applies. This makes bei especially suitable for institutional and factual conditions.
Bei Interesse senden Sie uns bitte Ihre Unterlagen.
Bei starkem Regen wird die Veranstaltung abgesagt.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
10.9. mit + dative: available resource or enabling condition
mit often marks a positive enabling condition meaning “if X is available” or “using X”. It can therefore be conditional and instrumental at the same time. At C1, this double interpretation needs to be controlled deliberately.
Mit ausreichender Vorbereitung lässt sich die Prüfung gut bewältigen.
Mit zusätzlicher Unterstützung könnte das Projekt fortgesetzt werden.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
11.10. ohne + accusative: negative condition
ohne compresses negative conditions particularly efficiently. It often corresponds to a wenn ... nicht or falls ... nicht clause. The nominal form usually sounds more factual and dense.
Wenn keine Genehmigung vorliegt, darf die Anlage nicht betrieben werden.
Ohne Genehmigung darf die Anlage nicht betrieben werden.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
12.11. im Falle: explicit eventuality
im Falle makes the eventual nature of the condition explicit. The construction is typically formal and well suited to rules, notices, contracts, and institutional communication.
Falls es zu einem Stromausfall kommt, wird das System automatisch heruntergefahren.
Im Falle eines Stromausfalls wird das System automatisch heruntergefahren.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
13.12. Case: bei and mit with dative
Case marking is structural, not stylistic. bei and mit govern the dative. In complex noun phrases, not only the article but the whole attribute structure must therefore be adjusted correctly.
bei vollständiger technischer Dokumentation
mit ausreichenden finanziellen Mitteln
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
14.13. Case: ohne with accusative
ohne governs the accusative. In nominal style, errors often arise when long adjective groups obscure case marking.
ohne vorherige schriftliche Zustimmung
ohne ausreichende rechtliche Grundlage
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
15.14. Case with im Falle
Standard written German often uses im Falle + genitive, especially in formal texts. im Falle von + dative is also very common, particularly with articleless or complex expressions.
im Falle eines technischen Defekts
im Falle von technischen Störungen
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
16.15. Nominalising a verb
A typical compression strategy is to turn the verbal core of the conditional clause into a noun. This requires choosing a noun that is natural in the relevant register and domain.
wenn man zustimmt → bei Zustimmung
wenn die Lieferung ausfällt → bei Ausfall der Lieferung
wenn sich die Lage verschlechtert → bei Verschlechterung der Lage
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
17.16. Not every verb has a good nominal equivalent
A grammatically possible nominalisation may still sound heavy or unusual. At C1, what matters is not just whether a form can be built but whether it is idiomatic. Sometimes the subordinate clause is the better choice.
Wenn sich die Situation unerwartet verändert, ...
Bei einer unerwarteten Veränderung der Situation, ...
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
18.17. Making the actor visible or invisible
In a subordinate clause, the actor is usually explicit. In a nominal phrase, the actor may disappear or appear as a genitive, prepositional attribute, or durch phrase. This changes the focus.
Wenn die Behörde den Antrag genehmigt, ...
Bei Genehmigung des Antrags, ...
Bei Genehmigung des Antrags durch die Behörde, ...
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
19.18. Tense is reduced in nominal groups
A subordinate clause can mark tense directly. Nominal phrases usually cannot. Temporal interpretation must then come from context, the main clause, or attributes.
Wenn der Vertrag gekündigt worden ist, ...
Nach erfolgter Kündigung ...
Im Falle einer Kündigung ...
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
20.19. Modality must not disappear
Forms such as können, dürfen, müssen, and sollen add meaning. During nominalisation, check whether this modality is preserved in the main clause, an attribute, or another expression.
Wenn der Betrag nicht gezahlt werden kann, ...
Bei fehlender Zahlungsmöglichkeit ...
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
21.20. Negation: nicht often becomes ohne, fehlend, or mangelnd
Negative conditions can be compressed in several ways. ohne is often the clearest option; in more formal texts, attributive forms such as fehlend or nouns such as Fehlen may also occur.
Wenn keine Zustimmung vorliegt, ...
Ohne Zustimmung ...
Bei fehlender Zustimmung ...
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
22.21. bei with event nouns
bei is especially natural with nouns denoting an event or an institutionally relevant state: Ausfall, Änderung, Genehmigung, Kündigung, Verstoß, Erhöhung.
Bei Ausfall der Anlage ...
Bei Änderung der Geschäftsbedingungen ...
Bei Verstoß gegen die Vorschriften ...
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
23.22. bei with adjective + noun
Adjectives can differentiate conditions very compactly: bei ausreichender Nachfrage, bei ungünstigen Bedingungen, bei vollständiger Dokumentation. This creates high information density.
Bei vollständiger technischer Dokumentation kann die Prüfung sofort beginnen.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
24.23. mit as a positive enabling condition
mit is especially suitable when something is understood as an available resource, equipment, or framework condition. It roughly answers the question: “Under what positive condition is X possible?”
Mit ausreichender Finanzierung ist eine Erweiterung realistisch.
Mit zusätzlichem Personal lässt sich die Frist einhalten.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
25.24. Conditional or instrumental with mit?
mit can also express means or accompaniment. Mit einem Schraubenzieher lässt sich die Abdeckung öffnen is primarily instrumental. Mit ausreichender Finanzierung lässt sich das Projekt fortsetzen is more conditional. Context and noun meaning determine the reading.
Mit einem geeigneten Werkzeug lässt sich die Klappe öffnen.
Mit ausreichender Zeit lässt sich der Bericht sorgfältig prüfen.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
26.25. ohne and logical necessity
ohne X can signal that X is a necessary condition. Ohne Genehmigung darf die Anlage nicht betrieben werden presents approval as necessary.
Ohne gültigen Nachweis ist eine Teilnahme nicht möglich.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
27.26. im Falle with adverse events
im Falle is especially frequent with events that require contingency planning: Störung, Ausfall, Brand, Kündigung, Beschwerde. This is a usage tendency, not a grammatical requirement.
Im Falle eines Brandes ist das Gebäude sofort zu verlassen.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
28.27. im Falle von with abstract or articleless expressions
im Falle von is often useful when a genitive phrase would be heavy or unnatural. It is especially common in notices and forms.
Im Falle von Rückfragen erreichen Sie uns per E-Mail.
Im Falle von Lieferverzögerungen informieren wir Sie automatisch.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
29.28. im Falle, dass remains clause-based
im Falle, dass ... still contains a subordinate clause despite the introductory phrase. It is therefore not a full nominalisation, though it can serve as a formal alternative to falls.
Im Falle, dass die Lieferung verspätet eintrifft, informieren Sie uns bitte.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
30.29. wenn is not always conditional
Before any reformulation, determine whether wenn really expresses a condition or rather time. A temporal wenn should not automatically be nominalised conditionally with bei.
Wenn ich nach Hause komme, rufe ich dich an.
Bei meiner Ankunft zu Hause rufe ich dich an.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
31.30. Temporal frame and conditional reading can overlap
Bei Beginn der Sitzung ... can be purely temporal, meaning “when the meeting begins”, whereas bei technischen Problemen ... is clearly conditional. The preposition and noun alone therefore do not guarantee a particular logical relation.
Bei Beginn der Sitzung werden die Tagesordnungspunkte bestätigt.
Bei technischen Problemen wird die Sitzung unterbrochen.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
32.31. sofern and necessary prerequisites
sofern often formulates a condition of applicability. Nominal equivalents may include bei, unter der Voraussetzung, unter Einhaltung, or a domain-specific condition phrase.
Sofern die Sicherheitsvorschriften eingehalten werden, kann der Betrieb fortgesetzt werden.
Bei Einhaltung der Sicherheitsvorschriften kann der Betrieb fortgesetzt werden.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
33.32. falls and im Falle are often closely related
When a clear eventuality is being referred to, the reformulation is often very direct. The nominal variant typically sounds more formal and text-efficient.
Falls es zu Verzögerungen kommt, ...
Im Falle von Verzögerungen ...
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
34.33. bei can be more neutral than im Falle
bei often simply describes a frame. im Falle more strongly foregrounds the possible occurrence of a specific event. This is why im Falle often sounds more administrative or precautionary.
Bei Fragen helfen wir Ihnen gern weiter.
Im Falle von Fragen wenden Sie sich bitte an die zuständige Stelle.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
35.34. Building dense nominal phrases
At C1, conditional phrases are often expanded with attributes. This allows several conditions to be bundled into one noun phrase, but case structure must remain stable.
bei vollständiger und fristgerechter Einreichung aller erforderlichen Unterlagen
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
36.35. Genitive attributes in conditional phrases
Genitive attributes can express participants, objects, or institutional relations. Too many genitives in sequence, however, increase processing load.
bei Genehmigung des Antrags durch die zuständige Behörde
bei Änderung der Bedingungen des Vertrags
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
37.36. Prepositional attributes in conditional phrases
Prepositional attributes also compress information: bei Verstoß gegen die Vorschriften, bei Änderungen an der Anlage, bei Bedarf an zusätzlicher Unterstützung. Their preposition usually belongs to the valency of the noun.
bei Bedarf an zusätzlicher Beratung
bei Verstoß gegen geltende Vorschriften
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
38.37. Participial attributes as further compression
Participles can make conditions even denser: bei anhaltend steigender Nachfrage, bei nicht fristgerecht eingereichten Unterlagen. This is typical of formal written German but can quickly become difficult to process.
Bei nicht fristgerecht eingereichten Unterlagen kann die Bearbeitung nicht garantiert werden.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
39.38. When density becomes overload
A conditional phrase is not automatically better merely because it is shorter. When several genitives, participles, and prepositional attributes are nested, a subordinate clause may be clearer.
Bei der im Falle einer nicht fristgerechten Einreichung erforderlichen erneuten Prüfung ...
Wenn die Unterlagen nicht fristgerecht eingereicht werden, muss erneut geprüft werden, ob ...
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
40.39. Information structure: placing the condition first
A fronted conditional phrase establishes the scope for the following statement. This is especially useful in guidelines, reports, and argumentative texts.
Bei vollständiger Datenlage ist eine belastbare Bewertung möglich.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
41.40. Conditional phrase in the middle field
The conditional phrase can also occur in the middle field. In that position, it is less strongly highlighted as a global frame and more integrated into the ongoing proposition.
Eine belastbare Bewertung ist bei vollständiger Datenlage möglich.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
42.41. Changing focus through position
Bei vollständiger Datenlage ist eine Bewertung möglich foregrounds the condition. Eine Bewertung ist bei vollständiger Datenlage möglich foregrounds the evaluation itself. Both are correct, but they are not pragmatically identical.
Bei ausreichender Evidenz ist eine Schlussfolgerung zulässig.
Eine Schlussfolgerung ist bei ausreichender Evidenz zulässig.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
43.42. Register: administration and law
Nominal conditional phrases are especially common in administrative and legally influenced language because they formulate conditions of applicability compactly and repeatably. Precision must still take priority over density itself.
Bei Nichteinhaltung der Frist kann der Antrag abgelehnt werden.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
44.43. Register: academic and technical writing
In academic texts, conditional phrases help mark methodological prerequisites and scopes precisely. Typical nouns include Annahme, Voraussetzung, Berücksichtigung, Verfügbarkeit, and Fehlen.
Unter der Annahme konstanter Randbedingungen ...
Bei Berücksichtigung zusätzlicher Variablen ...
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
45.44. Register: neutral standard German
Forms such as bei Bedarf, bei Interesse, ohne Zustimmung, or mit etwas Geduld are entirely normal in neutral standard German. Nominalisation is therefore not automatically bureaucratic.
Bei Bedarf schicken wir Ihnen weitere Informationen.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
46.45. When the subordinate clause is clearer
A subordinate clause is often better when several actors, time relations, or modal meanings are relevant at once. It can make relations more explicit and avoid overloaded noun chains.
Wenn die Behörde den Antrag geprüft hat und zusätzliche Unterlagen verlangt, ...
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
47.46. When the nominal phrase is stronger
The nominal phrase is especially effective when the condition is already understood as an established concept: bei Bedarf, bei Zustimmung, im Falle einer Störung, ohne Nachweis. It is then both compact and transparent.
Bei Bedarf kann der Termin verschoben werden.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
48.47. Verbalisation: unpacking density again
C1 also means being able to turn nominal style back into clear clause structures. Hidden roles must be reconstructed: Who acts? What happens? Under what condition?
Bei Genehmigung des Antrags durch die Behörde ...
Wenn die Behörde den Antrag genehmigt, ...
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
49.48. Verbalisation step 1: identify the core noun
First identify the semantic core noun: Genehmigung, Ausfall, Verfügbarkeit, Einhaltung. A corresponding verb can often be derived: genehmigen, ausfallen, verfügbar sein, einhalten.
bei Einhaltung der Frist → wenn die Frist eingehalten wird
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
50.49. Step 2: reconstruct semantic roles
Next, genitives and prepositional attributes are interpreted according to role. Genehmigung des Antrags durch die Behörde contains an object (des Antrags) and an actor (durch die Behörde).
bei Genehmigung des Antrags durch die Behörde → wenn die Behörde den Antrag genehmigt
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
51.50. Step 3: make the logical relation explicit again
During verbalisation, choose whether wenn, falls, sofern, or another conjunction is appropriate. The preposition alone does not always provide the full semantic nuance.
bei vollständigen Unterlagen → wenn alle Unterlagen vollständig vorliegen
im Falle eines Ausfalls → falls das System ausfällt
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
52.51. Check for loss of meaning
After reformulation, check: Is the same actor meant? Is the condition real, hypothetical, or limiting? Is the negation unchanged? Is modality preserved?
Sofern eine Genehmigung erteilt werden kann, ...
Bei Genehmigungsfähigkeit ...
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
53.52. Typical error: using bei mechanically for every wenn
Not every wenn can be elegantly replaced with bei. Especially with whole sequences of actions or multiple predicates, nominalisation quickly becomes unwieldy.
Wenn die Kundin anruft und den Termin verschieben möchte, ...
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
54.53. Typical error: using mit as a universal “if”
mit works mainly with available resources, properties, or framework conditions. With events such as Kündigung, Ausfall, or Verstoß, bei or im Falle is usually more natural.
Bei Ausfall des Systems ...
Im Falle eines Systemausfalls ...
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
55.54. Typical error: ohne changes the logic
ohne X does not merely mean “if X does not happen”; it can present X as a necessary condition. Check whether this stronger logic is intended.
Ohne Genehmigung ist der Betrieb unzulässig.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
56.55. Typical error: case in long noun phrases
The denser the noun phrase, the easier it is to overlook case endings. After bei, mit, and ohne, check the entire article and adjective chain.
bei vollständiger technischer Dokumentation
ohne vorherige schriftliche Zustimmung
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
57.56. Typical error: the wrong degree of formality
im Falle einer etwaigen Nichtverfügbarkeit ... may sound unnecessarily heavy in a short everyday email. At C1, competence includes deciding when the simpler form is better.
Falls du morgen keine Zeit hast, verschieben wir den Termin.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
58.57. Typical error: nominal style without clear reference
When several referents are possible, a short nominal phrase can become ambiguous. An explicit subordinate clause may identify the actor or object more clearly.
Bei Zustimmung erfolgt die Freigabe.
Wenn die zuständige Stelle zustimmt, wird das Dokument freigegeben.
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
59.58. Typical error: too many conditions in one phrase
Several conditions can be bundled nominally, but beyond a certain point the hierarchy becomes unclear. Two sentences or an explicit conditional clause may then be better.
Bei vollständiger, fristgerechter und den formalen Vorgaben entsprechender Einreichung ...
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
60.59. C1 decision model
Before compressing, use a short check: Is the condition naturally lexicalised as a noun? Do actor, modality, and negation remain clear? Does the form fit the register? Does the sentence actually become easier?
wenn/falls/sofern → prüfen → Nomen wählen → Präposition wählen → Bedeutung kontrollieren
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
61.60. Overall mental model
The central skill is not to nominalise as many subordinate clauses as possible, but to move between explicit and dense forms in a controlled way. C1 means having stylistic choice while preserving precision.
explizit: sofern alle Unterlagen vollständig vorliegen → dicht: bei vollständigem Vorliegen aller Unterlagen
At C1, the issue is not only grammatical correctness but also which version expresses the relation most clearly and appropriately in the given text.
62.61. Systematic reformulation pairs
The following pairs show typical but non-mechanical equivalents. Context determines whether both versions fit equally well.
U1. wenn die Nachfrage steigt ↔ bei steigender Nachfrage
wenn die Nachfrage steigt
↕
bei steigender Nachfrage
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U2. wenn die Nachfrage hoch ist ↔ bei hoher Nachfrage
wenn die Nachfrage hoch ist
↕
bei hoher Nachfrage
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U3. falls das System ausfällt ↔ im Falle eines Systemausfalls
falls das System ausfällt
↕
im Falle eines Systemausfalls
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U4. falls Rückfragen auftreten ↔ im Falle von Rückfragen
falls Rückfragen auftreten
↕
im Falle von Rückfragen
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U5. sofern alle Unterlagen vollständig vorliegen ↔ bei vollständigem Vorliegen aller Unterlagen
sofern alle Unterlagen vollständig vorliegen
↕
bei vollständigem Vorliegen aller Unterlagen
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U6. sofern die Vorschriften eingehalten werden ↔ bei Einhaltung der Vorschriften
sofern die Vorschriften eingehalten werden
↕
bei Einhaltung der Vorschriften
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U7. wenn genügend Zeit vorhanden ist ↔ mit genügend Zeit
wenn genügend Zeit vorhanden ist
↕
mit genügend Zeit
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U8. wenn zusätzliche Mittel verfügbar sind ↔ mit zusätzlichen Mitteln
wenn zusätzliche Mittel verfügbar sind
↕
mit zusätzlichen Mitteln
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U9. wenn keine Genehmigung vorliegt ↔ ohne Genehmigung
wenn keine Genehmigung vorliegt
↕
ohne Genehmigung
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U10. wenn kein gültiger Nachweis vorliegt ↔ ohne gültigen Nachweis
wenn kein gültiger Nachweis vorliegt
↕
ohne gültigen Nachweis
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U11. wenn die Kundin zustimmt ↔ bei Zustimmung der Kundin
wenn die Kundin zustimmt
↕
bei Zustimmung der Kundin
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U12. wenn die Behörde den Antrag genehmigt ↔ bei Genehmigung des Antrags durch die Behörde
wenn die Behörde den Antrag genehmigt
↕
bei Genehmigung des Antrags durch die Behörde
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U13. wenn die Lieferung verspätet ist ↔ bei verspäteter Lieferung
wenn die Lieferung verspätet ist
↕
bei verspäteter Lieferung
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U14. wenn sich die Bedingungen ändern ↔ bei Änderung der Bedingungen
wenn sich die Bedingungen ändern
↕
bei Änderung der Bedingungen
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U15. wenn die Frist nicht eingehalten wird ↔ bei Nichteinhaltung der Frist
wenn die Frist nicht eingehalten wird
↕
bei Nichteinhaltung der Frist
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U16. falls es zu technischen Störungen kommt ↔ im Falle technischer Störungen
falls es zu technischen Störungen kommt
↕
im Falle technischer Störungen
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U17. wenn zusätzliche Unterstützung vorhanden ist ↔ mit zusätzlicher Unterstützung
wenn zusätzliche Unterstützung vorhanden ist
↕
mit zusätzlicher Unterstützung
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U18. wenn kein Zugang zum System besteht ↔ ohne Zugang zum System
wenn kein Zugang zum System besteht
↕
ohne Zugang zum System
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U19. sofern die Daten zuverlässig sind ↔ bei zuverlässiger Datenlage
sofern die Daten zuverlässig sind
↕
bei zuverlässiger Datenlage
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
U20. wenn die Finanzierung gesichert ist ↔ bei gesicherter Finanzierung
wenn die Finanzierung gesichert ist
↕
bei gesicherter Finanzierung
Check: Do actor, scope, and logical strength remain equivalent in both versions?
63.62. Vocabulary for conditional compression
| German | Meaning |
|---|---|
die Bedingung | condition |
die Voraussetzung | prerequisite |
der Eventualfall | eventuality / contingency |
die Geltungsbedingung | condition of applicability |
die Genehmigung | approval |
die Zustimmung | consent / approval |
die Einhaltung | compliance / observance |
die Nichteinhaltung | non-compliance |
die Verfügbarkeit | availability |
das Fehlen | absence |
der Ausfall | failure / outage |
die Änderung | change |
die Verschlechterung | deterioration |
die Verbesserung | improvement |
die Finanzierung | financing |
die Datenlage | state of available data |
die Randbedingung | boundary condition / constraint |
die Zulässigkeit | admissibility |
die Erfüllung | fulfilment |
die Nichterfüllung | non-fulfilment |
der Nachweis | proof / evidence |
die Frist | deadline |
die Störung | disruption |
der Verstoß | violation |
die Bereitstellung | provision |
die Berücksichtigung | consideration |
der Bedarf | need |
die Annahme | assumption |
die Zustimmungspflicht | requirement for consent |
die Voraussetzungslosigkeit | absence of prerequisites |
64.63. Useful patterns by register
Neutral
bei Bedarfbei Interessemit etwas Geduldohne Zustimmung
Formal
bei Vorliegen der Voraussetzungenbei vollständiger Einreichung der Unterlagenim Falle einer Störungim Falle von Rückfragen
Technical / academic
bei Berücksichtigung zusätzlicher Variablenunter der Annahme konstanter Randbedingungenbei gesicherter Datenlagebei fehlender Evidenz
Regulatory
bei Nichteinhaltung der Fristohne gültigen Nachweisim Falle eines Verstoßesbei Einhaltung der Vorgaben
65.64. C1 editing checklist
- Is the relation genuinely conditional?
- Could
wennactually be temporal? - Does
bei,mit,ohne, orim Fallefit semantically? - Is case marking correct?
- Is the actor still recoverable?
- Is modality preserved?
- Is negation equally strong?
- Is the noun idiomatic?
- Does the level of formality fit?
- Is the noun phrase still readable?
- Would a subordinate clause be clearer?
- Is the condition positioned effectively in the sentence?
66.65. Summary
The main correspondences are not rigid equations but functional equivalents:
wenn → often bei / mit / ohne
falls → often im Falle / bei
sofern → often bei / unter der Voraussetzung / bei Einhaltung
positive enabling condition → often mit / bei
negative condition → often ohne / bei fehlend-
eventuality → often im Falle
Case:
bei + dative
mit + dative
ohne + accusative
im Falle + genitive
im Falle von + dative
Before compressing, check:
- Is the relation genuinely conditional?
- Is the same actor still recoverable?
- Are negation and modality preserved?
- Is the nominalisation idiomatic?
- Does the form fit the register?
- Is the text clearer—or merely shorter?
Core idea: C1 is not maximal nominal style; it is controlled choice between explicit and dense forms while preserving precision.