Dictionary
English - German

Whether

ˈ(h)wɛðər
Extremely common
200 - 300
200 - 300
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

ob, egal ob, ob...oder

Whether meanings in German

ob

Example:
I don't know whether he will come or not.
Ich weiß nicht, ob er kommen wird oder nicht.
She asked whether you were coming to the party.
Sie hat gefragt, ob du zur Party kommst.
Usage: formalContext: Used in formal contexts to introduce a direct or indirect question about a choice or possibility.
Note: In German, 'ob' is commonly used to introduce indirect questions and can also be used to mean 'whether' in English.

egal ob

Example:
I will go whether you like it or not.
Ich werde gehen, egal ob du es magst oder nicht.
He will come tomorrow, whether it rains or not.
Er wird morgen kommen, egal ob es regnet oder nicht.
Usage: formalContext: Used to express that a particular condition or circumstance does not affect the action or decision mentioned.
Note: The phrase 'egal ob' is a common expression in German to convey the idea of 'whether' in English, emphasizing that the result does not depend on the condition mentioned.

ob...oder

Example:
I can't decide whether to watch a movie or read a book.
Ich kann nicht entscheiden, ob ich einen Film anschauen oder ein Buch lesen soll.
Tell me whether you prefer coffee or tea.
Sag mir, ob du Kaffee oder Tee bevorzugst.
Usage: formalContext: Used to present a choice between two or more alternatives.
Note: The structure 'ob...oder' is commonly used in German to express alternatives or choices, similar to the English 'whether...or'.

Whether's synonyms

if

Used to introduce a condition or possibility.
Example: I will go for a walk if the weather is nice.
Note: Similar in meaning to 'whether' but more commonly used in conditional sentences.

either

Indicates a choice between two alternatives.
Example: You can either stay here or come with me.
Note: More specific in indicating a choice between two options.

whichever

Indicates a free choice among several alternatives.
Example: You can choose whichever book you like.
Note: Emphasizes the freedom of choice among multiple options.

Whether expressions, common phrases

whether or not

This phrase is used to indicate that something will happen or be done regardless of the circumstances.
Example: I will go to the party whether or not it rains.
Note: The addition of 'or not' emphasizes the idea of regardless of the outcome.

whether or no

Similar to 'whether or not', this phrase expresses determination or resolve in the face of uncertainty or difficulty.
Example: He is determined to succeed, whether or no.
Note: This is a more formal or literary variation of 'whether or not'.

come rain or shine

This idiom means that someone will be present or committed no matter what happens.
Example: I will be there for you, come rain or shine.
Note: This idiom emphasizes unwavering commitment in the face of any circumstances.

on the fence

This expression means to be undecided or unsure about a decision.
Example: I'm on the fence about whether to study abroad next semester.
Note: It conveys the idea of being stuck between two options or opinions.

in two minds

To be in two minds means to be undecided or uncertain about a choice.
Example: She's in two minds about accepting the job offer.
Note: This phrase suggests being conflicted between two options.

flip a coin

This phrase refers to making a decision based on the outcome of a coin toss, often used when choices are equally appealing.
Example: Let's flip a coin to decide whether we should watch a movie or go for a hike.
Note: It symbolizes leaving a decision to chance or luck.

play it by ear

To play it by ear means to decide or act spontaneously based on the situation rather than planning ahead.
Example: I'm not sure if I'll have time tomorrow, so let's play it by ear.
Note: It suggests being flexible and adaptable in making decisions.

Whether everyday (slang) expressions

or else

Indicates a consequence if a decision is not made.
Example: You need to decide now, or else we'll miss our reservation.
Note: Places emphasis on the potential negative outcome.

otherwise

Indicates what will happen if a particular condition is not met.
Example: Make up your mind, otherwise, we'll be late.
Note: Similar to 'or else,' but may imply a broader range of outcomes.

if not

Used to introduce a possible consequence if a specific condition is not met.
Example: Decide quickly, if not, we'll lose the opportunity.
Note: Implies a condition that, if not fulfilled, will result in a particular outcome.

otherwise than

Means 'except for' or 'different from'
Example: You must choose, otherwise than we'll proceed without you.
Note: Emphasizes an alternative or different course of action.

Whether - Examples

I don't know whether it will rain tomorrow.
Ich weiß nicht, ob es morgen regnen wird.
She asked me whether I wanted coffee or tea.
Sie hat mich gefragt, ob ich Kaffee oder Tee möchte.
I can't decide whether to go on vacation or stay at home.
Ich kann mich nicht entscheiden, ob ich in den Urlaub fahren oder zu Hause bleiben soll.
He is still unsure whether he should accept the job offer.
Er ist sich immer noch unsicher, ob er das Jobangebot annehmen soll.

Whether grammar

Whether - Subordinating conjunction (Subordinating conjunction) / Preposition or subordinating conjunction (Preposition or subordinating conjunction)
Lemma: whether
Conjugations
Syllables, Separation and Stress
whether Contains 2 syllables: wheth • er
Phonetic transcription: ˈ(h)we-t͟hər
wheth er , ˈ(h)we t͟hər (The red syllable is stressed)

Whether - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
whether: 200 - 300 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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