Making a comparison with als and als ob followed by the subjunctive II
We use so… als ob (as if) followed by the subjunctive II to make a hypothetical comparison. The verb then comes at the end of the sentence in the subjunctive II.
Sigi tut so, als ob er nichts zu tun hätte. haben, Konj. II Präteritum
Sigi acts as if he had nothing to do.
We can also simply use so… als (also meaning “as if”). In this case, the conjugated verb in the subjunctive II comes directly after als.
Sigi tut so, als wäre er gerne Portier. sein, Konj. II Präteritum
Sigi acts as if he liked being a concierge.
We can also form these comparisons with (so)… als wenn or wie wenn (both also meaning “as if”) with the subjunctive II at the end of the sentence.
Die Drohung klingt, als wenn sie ernst wäre.
The threat sounds as if it is serious.
Es schaut so aus, wie wenn es regnen würde.
It looks like it is going to rain.
Note: the filler word so is often omitted.
Rüdiger singt (so), als wäre er ein Rockstar.
Rüdiger sings as if he were a rock star.
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