As if; the more … the more

Understand the rule, see it in context, then put it into practice.

67 chapters · 64 common verbs

As if; the more … the more

Als ob introduces an unreal comparison with a finite verb at the end, often in Konjunktiv II. Je … desto pairs two comparatives. After the desto phrase, the main clause has verb-second order.

Understand the idea

An als-ob clause compares a situation with an imagined appearance or impression. A je … desto/umso construction links two changing degrees. These are different comparison systems and need different clause patterns.

Build it step by step

After als ob, use a verb-final clause, often with Konjunktiv II for an unreal comparison. In the je-clause, place the finite verb at the end. The following desto/umso comparative phrase occupies the first main-clause element, so the finite verb follows it. Choose meaningful comparative forms rather than simply adding -er to every adjective.

See it in a sentence

Er tut so, als ob er alles wüsste.

He acts as if he knew everything.

Sie spricht, als ob sie die Chefin wäre.

She speaks as if she were the manager.

A useful memory aid

For je … desto, identify what increases or decreases on each side. Then check the two finite-verb positions separately.

A common trap

Do not keep ordinary statement order after je. Also avoid treating als ob as the same structure as a simple comparative followed by als.

Sources & how to use this book

Original explanations, tips and learning examples by DeutschLearner, with grammar facts checked against the references below. The A1–B2 labels guide study; they do not certify a proficiency level. Reading a chapter does not mark a topic as mastered. Existing exercises provide the translated examples; no source exercise bank or example sentences were copied.