Sofern diese Bedingungen erfüllt sind, ergibt sich
Provided these conditions are met, it results
Littéralement: Insofar as these conditions fulfilled are, yields itself
Use this phrase to link specific requirements to their logical outcomes in professional or serious contexts.
En 15 secondes
- A logical 'if-then' connector for formal or professional settings.
- Indicates that a result follows naturally from specific met requirements.
- Uses 'sofern' (provided) and 'ergibt sich' (results/follows) for precision.
Signification
This phrase is a logical bridge used to say that if certain requirements are met, a specific outcome will naturally follow. It is like saying 'If A happens, then B is the logical result.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing a business contract
Sofern diese Bedingungen erfüllt sind, ergibt sich ein Anspruch auf Schadensersatz.
Provided these conditions are met, a claim for damages results.
Planning a complex trip with a friend
Sofern das Wetter stabil bleibt, ergibt sich eine tolle Wanderroute.
Provided the weather remains stable, a great hiking route results.
Explaining a promotion at work
Sofern die Verkaufsziele erreicht werden, ergibt sich eine Bonuszahlung.
Provided the sales targets are reached, a bonus payment results.
Contexte culturel
This expression is deeply rooted in German 'Rechtssprache' (legal language). It reflects a cultural preference for 'Rechtssicherheit'—the idea that outcomes should be predictable if rules are followed. It became a staple of professional German as the country's administrative and legal systems became highly standardized in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Reflexive Trap
Don't forget the 'sich'! Without it, 'ergeben' means 'to surrender.' You want a result, not a white flag!
Word Order Alert
In the 'sofern' clause, the verb goes to the end. In the 'ergibt sich' clause, the verb comes first. It's a V2-switch!
En 15 secondes
- A logical 'if-then' connector for formal or professional settings.
- Indicates that a result follows naturally from specific met requirements.
- Uses 'sofern' (provided) and 'ergibt sich' (results/follows) for precision.
What It Means
This phrase is the ultimate 'if-then' statement for serious situations. It tells your listener that a result isn't random. It is a direct consequence of specific rules. Think of it as a mathematical formula in words. You are setting the stage with requirements. Then, you are showing the door that opens once they are met. It sounds very organized and professional.
How To Use It
You start with the condition using sofern. This word is a more formal version of wenn. Then you list your 'conditions' or Bedingungen. The second half, ergibt sich, is the magic part. It means 'results' or 'follows.' You usually follow it with a noun. For example, ergibt sich eine Chance (an opportunity results). It feels like pieces of a puzzle clicking together. Just remember to keep your verbs at the end of the first clause.
When To Use It
Use this in business meetings or when writing contracts. It is perfect for explaining project milestones. You can use it when discussing complex plans with friends. It shows you have a clear logic. If you are explaining a game's rules, this phrase makes you sound like an expert. It gives your statements a sense of authority and clarity. Use it when you want to sound reliable.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a loud party. It is way too stiff for casual small talk. Avoid it when flirting or joking with close siblings. If you say this while ordering a kebab, the vendor might laugh. It is too heavy for simple daily tasks. Don't use it for things that are certain to happen anyway. It implies a logical dependency that 'simple' life usually doesn't need.
Cultural Background
Germany is famous for its love of 'Ordnung' (order) and clear rules. This phrase is a linguistic reflection of that mindset. It comes from legal and bureaucratic language. It treats life like a series of well-defined processes. Using it shows you value precision. It suggests that you are a person who respects the 'Kleingedruckte' (fine print). It is a very 'German' way to navigate a complex world.
Common Variations
You might hear Vorausgesetzt, dass... for a similar vibe. Some people use Falls diese Kriterien zutreffen. In very formal writing, you might see Insofern diese Voraussetzungen gegeben sind. If you want to be shorter, try Daraus folgt. But ergibt sich has a nice flow to it. It sounds less like a math textbook and more like a professional conversation.
Notes d'usage
This is a B2/C1 level phrase. It belongs in the 'formal' register. The biggest mistake is forgetting the reflexive 'sich' or messing up the verb-final word order in the first clause.
The Reflexive Trap
Don't forget the 'sich'! Without it, 'ergeben' means 'to surrender.' You want a result, not a white flag!
Word Order Alert
In the 'sofern' clause, the verb goes to the end. In the 'ergibt sich' clause, the verb comes first. It's a V2-switch!
The 'Beamte' Vibe
Using this makes you sound like a 'Beamter' (civil servant). Use it sparingly to avoid sounding like a walking tax form.
Exemples
6Sofern diese Bedingungen erfüllt sind, ergibt sich ein Anspruch auf Schadensersatz.
Provided these conditions are met, a claim for damages results.
Very standard legal usage regarding rights and claims.
Sofern das Wetter stabil bleibt, ergibt sich eine tolle Wanderroute.
Provided the weather remains stable, a great hiking route results.
A bit formal for friends, but shows clear logical planning.
Sofern die Verkaufsziele erreicht werden, ergibt sich eine Bonuszahlung.
Provided the sales targets are reached, a bonus payment results.
Used to clarify the direct link between performance and reward.
Sofern die Küche sauber ist, ergibt sich ein entspannter Abend für uns.
Provided the kitchen is clean, a relaxed evening results for us.
Slightly ironic/humorous use of formal language for a mundane task.
Sofern der Kühlschrank leer ist, ergibt sich zwangsläufig meine Diät.
Provided the fridge is empty, my diet inevitably results.
Uses formal logic to make a joke about self-control.
Sofern wir ehrlich zueinander sind, ergibt sich ein tieferes Vertrauen.
Provided we are honest with each other, a deeper trust results.
Uses the structure to emphasize the necessity of honesty for growth.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct reflexive pronoun.
Sofern die Vorbereitungen abgeschlossen sind, ergibt ___ eine neue Möglichkeit.
The verb is 'sich ergeben' (to result/arise), which requires the reflexive pronoun 'sich' in the third person.
Choose the best formal conjunction to start the condition.
___ alle Teilnehmer zustimmen, ergibt sich eine Einigung.
'Sofern' is the formal way to say 'provided that' or 'if' in this context.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Level of 'Sofern... ergibt sich'
Talking to your dog or best friend about pizza.
Wenn... dann...
General daily interactions or emails.
Falls... kommt es zu...
Business meetings, contracts, or academic writing.
Sofern diese Bedingungen erfüllt sind, ergibt sich...
Legal documents or high-level bureaucracy.
Insofern die Voraussetzungen vorliegen...
Where to use this logic
Project Management
Explaining milestones to a client.
Legal/Contracts
Defining rights in a rental agreement.
Academic Writing
Drawing conclusions from data.
Serious Advice
Giving a friend a logical 'if-then' scenario.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, 'wenn' is much more common in daily life. 'Sofern' is specifically for when you want to sound more formal or precise, like in a contract.
It literally means 'yields itself.' In English, we would say 'arises,' 'results,' or 'follows logically.'
It is used in professional speeches, presentations, or serious debates. You won't hear it much at the dinner table unless someone is being ironic.
Yes, in this context it refers to requirements or terms that must be met for something else to happen.
Absolutely. For example: Sofern der Plan scheitert, ergibt sich eine Krise. (Provided the plan fails, a crisis results.)
Yes, in German, you must separate the subordinate clause (sofern...) from the main clause (ergibt sich...) with a comma.
You can use it with more relatable nouns. Instead of 'legal claims,' talk about 'opportunities' or 'chances' (ergibt sich eine Chance).
'Ergeben' can mean 'to yield/produce' or 'to surrender.' 'Sich ergeben' specifically means 'to result from' or 'to arise' in this context.
Yes, you can say: Es ergibt sich eine Lösung, sofern wir zusammenarbeiten. (A solution results, provided we work together.)
No. 'Solange' means 'as long as' (duration). 'Sofern' means 'provided that' (condition).
Expressions liées
Vorausgesetzt, dass
Provided that (very similar, slightly more common)
Daraus folgt
From that follows (logical conclusion)
Im Falle, dass
In the event that
Unter der Bedingung, dass
On the condition that
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