je nachdem

Depending on (Je Nachdem)

Level 4

Use je nachdem to express that an action depends on a variable condition. It is usually followed by an indirect question (like ob, wie, or wann) and requires the verb to move to the end.

How It Works

The phrase je nachdem is essential for expressing contingency in German. It is most frequently used in two ways:

1. With Subordinate Clauses: It introduces a clause that explains the condition. Because it is a subordinating structure, it triggers verb-final word order. It is almost always followed by an indirect question starting with ob (whether) or a w-word (wie, wann, wer, etc.).
Example: Wir gehen spazieren, je nachdem, ob es regnet. (We'll go for a walk, depending on whether it rains.)

2. Standalone/Elliptical: In conversation, it can be used as a short answer to mean 'It depends.'
Example: „Kommst du mit?“ – „Je nachdem.“

Sentence Position and Punctuation:
• If je nachdem follows a main clause, a comma is required before it.
• If the je nachdem clause starts the sentence (Position 1), the main clause verb must follow immediately after the comma (e.g., Je nachdem, wie das Wetter ist, bleiben wir zu Hause.).

Spelling and Distinction:
• je nachdem (2 words): Used to introduce a clause.
• je nach (2 words): A preposition used with a noun (e.g., je nach Wetter).
• je nach dem (3 words): Preposition + Article (e.g., je nach dem Plan).
• jenachdem (1 word): Always incorrect.

Examples (4)

Je nachdem, wie viel Zeit wir haben, können wir noch einen Kaffee trinken.
Depending on how much time we have, we can still have a coffee.
Word by Word: Depending on, how much time we have, can we still a coffee drink.
Here, 'je nachdem' introduces a 'wie' clause. Notice the verb 'haben' is at the end of its clause.
Wir entscheiden morgen, je nachdem, ob er sich besser fühlt.
We will decide tomorrow, depending on whether he feels better.
Word by Word: We decide tomorrow, depending on, whether he himself better feels.
This uses 'ob' to show a binary condition (he feels better or he doesn't).
„Gehen wir heute Abend aus?“ – „Je nachdem, wie müde ich bin.“
“Are we going out tonight?” – “Depends on how tired I am.”
Word by Word: “Go we today evening out?” – “Depending on, how tired I am.”
A common conversational use where the main clause is implied.
Ich kaufe das Auto, je nachdem, was der Mechaniker sagt.
I will buy the car, depending on what the mechanic says.
Word by Word: I buy the car, depending on, what the mechanic says.
The variable here is the information provided by the mechanic ('was').

Common Mistakes

Using 'je nachdem' directly with a noun.
Je nachdem das Wetter gehen wir raus.
Je nach Wetter gehen wir raus.
If you follow the expression with a noun, you must use the preposition 'je nach'. 'Je nachdem' requires a full clause with a verb.
Incorrect word order in the dependent clause.
Je nachdem, wie ist das Wetter...
Je nachdem, wie das Wetter ist...
Because 'je nachdem' introduces a subordinate clause, the conjugated verb must go to the very end.
Spelling 'je nachdem' as one word or confusing it with 'je nach dem'.
Jenachdem wie es läuft...
Je nachdem, wie es läuft...
The conjunction 'je nachdem' is always written as two separate words. Do not confuse it with 'je nach dem' (three words), which is the preposition 'je nach' followed by a specific masculine or neuter article in the dative case (e.g., 'je nach dem Preis').

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

je nachdemLevel 4Depending on (Je Nachdem)

Learn This First

To use 'je nachdem' correctly, you need to understand how German subordinate clauses are structured, specifically the verb-final word order. Since 'je nachdem' often introduces a contingency based on a variable (like 'depending on how' or 'depending on whether'), you must also be familiar with indirect question structures and interrogative particles like 'wie' or 'ob'.

Words in This Pattern