whenever

Whenever is an adverb used to mean 'every time that' or 'at any time that'. It indicates that something happens on any occasion or regardless of when something else occurs. It can also express a lack of certainty about time, meaning 'at whatever time'.

• 🇩🇪Adverb, das 'zu jeder Zeit, wenn', 'immer wenn' oder 'jedes Mal, wenn' bedeutet. Es wird verwendet, um wiederkehrende Ereignisse oder das Fehlen zeitlicher Einschränkungen auszudrücken.

1. every time that; on any occasion that A2 informal

   Used to indicate that something happens repeatedly or habitually on each occasion that a particular condition is met.

   • Whenever I see her, she smiles at me.
   • The dog barks whenever the doorbell rings.
   • He calls his mother whenever he has a problem.
   • Whenever it rains, the streets flood in this area.
   • She brings a gift whenever she visits our house.

   🇩🇪jedes Mal, wenn; immer wenn

   Synonyme: when

2. at whatever time; at any time that B1 informal

   Used to express that something can happen at any time, without restriction, or when the exact time is unknown or unimportant.

   • You can leave whenever you're ready.
   • Come over whenever you have free time.
   • Feel free to call me whenever you need help.
   • The store is open whenever customers need it.
   • You may start the presentation whenever you feel comfortable.

   🇩🇪jederzeit, wann auch immer

3. no matter when; regardless of when B2 informal

   Used to emphasize that something is true or happens in all cases, irrespective of the specific time.

   • Whenever I try to explain, you don't listen.
   • The rules apply whenever you join the program.
   • Whenever he speaks, people pay attention.
   • The machine works whenever you press the button.
   • Whenever she arrives, we'll start the meeting.

   🇩🇪wann auch immer; egal wann

4. informal: every time something unpleasant happens (expressing annoyance) B2 informal

   Used informally to complain about something that happens repeatedly and causes frustration.

   • Whenever I sit down to relax, the phone rings.
   • He shows up late whenever we have an important meeting.
   • Whenever I try to save money, an unexpected bill arrives.
   • The power goes out whenever there's a storm.
   • Whenever we plan a picnic, it starts raining.

   🇩🇪jedes Mal, wenn (mit Ärger)

   Synonyme: when

Whenever is a subordinating conjunction used to introduce a clause that indicates any time or every time that something happens. It expresses repetition, generality, or lack of specific timing. It connects the main clause with a dependent clause showing that the action in the main clause occurs at whatever time the condition in the whenever-clause is true.

• 🇩🇪Subordinierende Konjunktion, die einen Nebensatz einleitet und ausdrückt, dass etwas zu jeder Zeit oder jedes Mal geschieht, wenn eine bestimmte Bedingung erfüllt ist. Sie bezeichnet Wiederholung, Verallgemeinerung oder einen unbestimmten Zeitpunkt.

1. Whenever as a subordinating conjunction of time (every time / any time) B1 formal

   Used to show that the action in the main clause happens every time or at any time the situation in the whenever-clause occurs. It emphasizes repetition or a general condition without specifying a particular moment. Present simple is commonly used in both clauses when referring to habits or general truths.

   • Whenever I see her, I smile.
   • Call me whenever you need help.
   • Whenever it rains, the roof leaks.
   • She laughs whenever she hears that joke.
   • Whenever we visit grandma, she bakes cookies for us.

   🇩🇪Temporale Konjunktion (jedes Mal / immer wenn)

2. Whenever meaning "no matter when" B1 formal

   Used to express that something is true or will happen regardless of the specific time. It carries the idea of flexibility or unlimited possibility and is common in offers, invitations, or instructions.

   • Come over whenever you like.
   • You can start the project whenever you're ready.
   • Whenever it suits you, we can meet.
   • Feel free to contact me whenever you have questions.
   • I'll be there whenever you need me.

   🇩🇪Bedeutung „jederzeit / wann auch immer“

3. Whenever in conditional or hypothetical contexts B2 formal

   Used in conditional sentences to mean "if at any time" or to describe repeated actions in the past or future. It can also add a sense of spontaneity or unpredictability to the situation.

   • Whenever he tried to explain, she would interrupt him.
   • Whenever I travel abroad, I always bring souvenirs for my friends.
   • The dog barks whenever someone knocks on the door.
   • Whenever possible, I prefer to walk instead of driving.
   • She gets nervous whenever she has to speak in public.

   🇩🇪In konditionalen oder hypothetischen Kontexten