German Phrase
Wann soll ich anrufen, wenn meine Symptome schlimmer werden?
Meaning
The sentence asks for guidance on the exact moment to contact a medical professional if the speaker’s symptoms start to deteriorate. It combines a direct question about timing with a conditional clause describing the worsening of symptoms.
When to use
Use this phrase after a doctor’s appointment, in a health‑care brochure, or when discussing a personal emergency plan. It is typical in formal or semi‑formal medical contexts where clear instructions are needed.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Wannsollichanrufen,wennmeineSymptomeschlimmerwerden?
Wann (question word)
Used to ask about a point in time; placed at the beginning of a main clause.
Modal verb sollen
‘soll’ expresses a recommendation or obligation and is followed by an infinitive without ‘zu’.
Infinitive anrufen
The main verb appears in its infinitive form after a modal verb.
Subordinate clause with wenn
‘wenn’ introduces a conditional clause; the finite verb moves to the end of that clause.
Comparative schlimmer
‘schlimmer’ is the comparative form of ‘schlimm’ (bad) and modifies the verb ‘werden’.
Verb werden as auxiliary
In this context ‘werden’ indicates a change of state (to become worse).
🗨In Conversation
Wann soll ich anrufen, wenn meine Symptome schlimmer werden?
When should I call, if my symptoms get worse?
Rufen Sie uns sofort an, sobald Sie eine Verschlechterung bemerken.
Call us immediately as soon as you notice a worsening.
✕Common Mistakes
Wann soll ich anrufen, dass meine Symptome schlimmer werden?
‘dass’ introduces a noun clause, not a condition. Use ‘wenn’ for ‘if/when’.
Wann soll ich anrufen, wenn meine Symptome schlimmer wird?
The subject ‘Symptome’ is plural, so the verb must be plural ‘werden’.
Wann soll ich zu anrufen, wenn meine Symptome schlimmer werden?
After a modal verb, the infinitive appears without ‘zu’.
↔Alternatives
Zu welchem Zeitpunkt soll ich anrufen, falls meine Symptome sich verschlimmern?
At what point should I call, should my symptoms worsen?
Wann ist es ratsam, zu telefonieren, wenn meine Beschwerden schlimmer werden?
When is it advisable to phone, if my complaints become worse?
Soll ich sofort anrufen, wenn meine Symptome schlimmer werden?
Should I call right away if my symptoms get worse?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries medical advice is often given in a very precise, formal style. When you’re speaking to a doctor or a health hotline, use the formal ‘Sie’ and include the exact phone number or the phrase ‘sofort anrufen’ (call immediately). Avoid overly casual language in this context, as it can be perceived as disrespectful.