German Phrase
Manchmal, wenn's ein wichtiges Spiel ist.
Meaning
Literally: “Sometimes, when it’s an important game.” The clause is used to introduce a statement about something that happens only on the occasions of an important match, such as a heightened emotional reaction or a change in routine.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to talk about habits, feelings, or actions that are triggered specifically by the significance of a game – for example, staying up late to watch a football match, getting extra nervous, or cheering louder than usual.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Manchmal,wenn'seinwichtigesSpielist.
Manchmal
An adverb meaning “sometimes”. It can stand at the beginning of a sentence and is not declined.
wenn's (wenn es)
A spoken contraction of the conjunction “wenn” (when/if) + the pronoun “es”. Common in informal speech; in formal writing use “wenn es”.
Indefinite article + adjective
After “ein” the adjective takes the weak ending –es in the neuter nominative: “ein wichtiges Spiel”.
Verb “sein”
The copular verb “ist” links the subject “ein wichtiges Spiel” to the predicate. No auxiliary needed.
Comma placement
A comma separates the introductory adverbial “Manchmal” from the subordinate clause “wenn's … ist”.
🗨In Conversation
Manchmal, wenn's ein wichtiges Spiel ist, schaue ich bis drei Uhr morgens.
Sometimes, when it's an important game, I watch until three in the morning.
Ja, das kenne ich. Ich vergesse dann sogar das Frühstück!
Yeah, I know that feeling. I even forget breakfast!
✕Common Mistakes
Manchmal, wenn's ein wichtiges Spiel ist.
In formal writing you should avoid the contraction and write “wenn es ein wichtiges Spiel”.
Manchmal, wenn's ein wichtiger Spiel ist.
The adjective must agree with the neuter noun after “ein”: use the weak ending –es, not –er.
Manchmal wenn's ein wichtiges Spiel ist.
A comma is required after “Manchmal” to separate the introductory adverb from the subordinate clause.
↔Alternatives
Manchmal, wenn es ein wichtiges Spiel gibt.
Sometimes, when there is an important game.
Manchmal, bei einem wichtigen Spiel.
Sometimes, at an important game.
Gelegentlich, wenn ein wichtiges Spiel ansteht.
Occasionally, when an important game is coming up.
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking countries, especially Germany and Austria, sport – particularly football (soccer) – is a major social event. Using the informal contraction “wenn's” signals a casual, spoken register, perfect for chatting with friends about match nights. In written texts (e.g., news articles or formal emails) you should write out the full form “wenn es”.