feltéve, hogy

Provided That

Level 4

feltéve, hogy = 'provided that' / 'on the condition that'
Used for formal stipulations where the main clause depends entirely on a specific condition.

How It Works

The expression feltéve, hogy is used to introduce a subordinate clause that acts as a strict requirement for the main clause to occur.

1. Structure and Punctuation:
It is a fixed phrase. In Hungarian, a comma is mandatory before hogy. The phrase can appear at the beginning of a sentence or between clauses. A common, slightly less formal variant is feltéve, ha, which functions identically.

2. Mood Usage:
Unlike some other conditional structures, it does not automatically require the conditional mood.

  • Use the indicative mood for realistic, factual conditions (e.g., feltéve, hogy van időd - provided you have time).
  • Use the conditional mood for hypothetical or less likely scenarios (e.g., feltéve, hogy lenne rá pénzünk - provided we were to have the money for it).

3. Register and Alternatives:
This is a formal or 'educated' choice, frequently encountered in legal texts and academic writing. In casual speech, Hungarians usually prefer ha for positive conditions. Note that hacsak nem is the negative counterpart ('unless') and should only be used when the condition is a negative requirement (e.g., 'unless it rains').

Examples (4)

  1. Holnap kirándulunk, feltéve, hogy nem esik az eső.

    We are going on an excursion tomorrow, provided that it doesn't rain.

    Word by Word: Tomorrow we-excursion, supposing, that not falls the rain.

    A realistic future condition using the indicative mood.

  2. Megkaphatod a kölcsönt, feltéve, hogy van kezesed.

    You can get the loan, provided that you have a guarantor.

    Word by Word: You-can-get the loan, supposing, that there-is guarantor-yours.

    Common formal usage in a financial or legal context.

  3. Feltéve, hogy igazad van, mit kellene tennünk?

    Supposing that you are right, what should we do?

    Word by Word: Supposing, that truth-yours is, what should-it to-do-us?

    Here the condition starts the sentence, followed by a question in the conditional mood.

  4. Segítek neked, feltéve, hogy te is segítesz nekem.

    I will help you, provided that you help me too.

    Word by Word: I-help to-you, supposing, that you also help to-me.

    Expresses a mutual agreement or stipulation.

Common Mistakes

  • Omitting the mandatory comma before 'hogy'.

    Elmegyek feltéve hogy ráérek.
    Elmegyek, feltéve, hogy ráérek.

    In Hungarian, a comma must always separate the main clause from the 'hogy' clause.

  • Using it in very casual settings where it sounds too stiff.

    Different MeaningEszem pizzát, feltéve, hogy van rajta sajt.
    Eszem pizzát, ha van rajta sajt.

    While grammatically correct, 'feltéve, hogy' sounds like a contract clause. Use 'ha' (if) for everyday topics like food.

How It Connects

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

feltéve, hogyLevel 4Provided That

Learn This First

To understand 'feltéve, hogy' (provided that), a learner needs to be familiar with how 'hogy' introduces subordinate clauses in Hungarian. Additionally, since 'feltéve' is an adverbial participle, knowledge of the -va/-ve suffix is essential. Finally, because this pattern introduces a condition, familiarity with basic conditional 'if' clauses provides the necessary logical framework.

Words in This Pattern

feltévehogy