German Phrase
Wir können das, wenn der Preis entsprechend angepasst wird.
Meaning
This phrase expresses a conditional willingness to undertake a task or project. It implies that the speaker or their team is capable of fulfilling the request, but a specific condition – a price adjustment – must be met for them to proceed. It's a common way to signal flexibility while also setting clear boundaries in negotiations.
When to use
Use this phrase in business negotiations, project discussions, or when responding to a client's request where the current offer doesn't quite meet your expectations. It's a polite yet firm way to indicate that a deal is possible, provided certain financial terms are revised. It's suitable for both formal and semi-formal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Wirkönnendas,wennder Preisentsprechendangepasstwird.
Wir können
'Können' is a modal verb meaning 'can' or 'to be able to'. In German, modal verbs are often followed by an infinitive verb at the end of the sentence, but here 'das' (that) acts as the object, implying 'do that' or 'manage that'.
wenn
'Wenn' introduces a subordinate clause and means 'if' or 'when' (in the sense of 'whenever'). It signals a condition. Remember to use 'wenn' for conditions, not 'wann' (which means 'when' as in 'at what time').
der Preis
This is the subject of the subordinate clause, 'the price'. It's in the nominative case because it's performing the action (or having the action performed on it in a passive sentence).
entsprechend
This adverb means 'accordingly' or 'correspondingly'. It modifies the verb 'angepasst wird', indicating how the adjustment should happen.
angepasst wird
This is a passive construction in the present tense. 'angepasst' is the past participle of 'anpassen' (to adjust), and 'wird' is the conjugated form of 'werden' (to become/to be) used to form the passive voice. In a subordinate clause, the conjugated verb ('wird') always goes to the very end.
🗨In Conversation
Können Sie das Projekt bis Ende des Monats abschließen?
Can you complete the project by the end of the month?
Wir können das, wenn der Preis entsprechend angepasst wird.
We can do that, if the price is adjusted accordingly.
✕Common Mistakes
Wir können das, wann der Preis entsprechend angepasst wird.
Use 'wenn' for conditional clauses ('if'), not 'wann' which means 'when' in the sense of 'at what time'.
Wir können das, wenn der Preis wird entsprechend angepasst.
In a 'wenn' subordinate clause, the conjugated verb ('wird') must go to the very end of the clause.
Wir können das, wenn der Preis entsprechend anpasst wird.
The past participle for 'anpassen' is 'angepasst'. This is a passive construction, requiring 'werden' + past participle.
↔Alternatives
Das ist machbar, falls der Preis stimmt.
That's doable, if the price is right.
Wir sind bereit, wenn die Konditionen passen.
We are ready, if the conditions fit.
Unter diesen Umständen können wir das leider nicht machen.
Under these circumstances, we unfortunately cannot do that.
Cultural Tip
Germans tend to be direct and precise in business communication. This phrase reflects that by clearly stating a condition for agreement. While it might sound blunt to some, it's generally perceived as transparent and efficient. Negotiations often focus on concrete terms, and expressing conditions clearly helps avoid misunderstandings later on.