German Phrase
Was, wenn der Strom ausfällt?
Meaning
A hypothetical question meaning “What if the electricity goes out?” It is used to raise a possible problem and discuss how to handle it.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are planning for emergencies, talking about backup systems, or simply wondering about the consequences of a power outage.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WaswennderStromausfällt
Was (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask 'what' in both direct and indirect questions.
wenn (subordinating conjunction)
Introduces a conditional clause and requires the verb to be in the indicative mood.
der (definite article, nominative masculine)
Matches the masculine noun 'Strom' in the nominative case.
ausfallen (verb)
Means 'to fail' or 'to go out'. In the present tense third‑person singular it is 'ausfällt'.
Comma placement
In German a comma separates the main clause from the subordinate clause introduced by 'wenn'.
🗨In Conversation
Was, wenn der Strom ausfällt?
What if the electricity goes out?
Dann sollten wir Kerzen, ein batteriebetriebenes Radio und ein Notstromaggregat bereithalten.
Then we should keep candles, a battery‑powered radio, and a backup generator ready.
✕Common Mistakes
Was wenn der Strom ausfällt
Missing comma after 'Was' – German requires a comma before the subordinate clause.
Was, wenn der Strom ist aus?
Use the verb 'ausfallen' instead of the phrase 'ist aus' for a natural conditional question.
Was, wenn der Strom ausgefallen ist?
The past participle 'ausgefallen' is wrong here; you need the present tense 'ausfällt' for a hypothetical situation.
↔Alternatives
Was passiert, wenn der Strom ausfällt?
What happens if the electricity goes out?
Was tun wir, wenn der Strom ausfällt?
What shall we do if the electricity goes out?
Wie verhalten wir uns, wenn der Strom ausfällt?
How do we behave when the electricity goes out?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries it is common to have a "Notfallplan" for power outages. Many households keep a small gasoline generator (Notstromaggregat) and a stock of flashlights, batteries, and a battery‑powered radio to stay informed during a blackout.