German Phrase
Was, wenn jemand auf mich zukommt?
Meaning
The speaker is wondering about a possible future situation in which another person approaches them. It can be used to discuss reactions, safety concerns, or simply to imagine a scenario.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to talk about a hypothetical encounter – for example, when planning a meeting, discussing personal safety, or brainstorming how you would react if someone suddenly came up to you.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Waswennjemandaufmichzukommt
Was, wenn
A fixed phrase that introduces a hypothetical condition, equivalent to “what if”. It is always followed by a subordinate clause.
auf … zukommen
A separable verb meaning “to come towards someone”. The prefix “zu‑” moves to the end of the clause (zukommt).
jemand
Indefinite pronoun meaning “someone”. It is the subject of the subordinate clause.
mich (Akk.)
Accusative pronoun because the verb “zukommen” governs the accusative case.
🗨In Conversation
Was, wenn jemand auf mich zukommt?
What if someone approaches me?
Dann sagst du einfach ‚Hallo‘ und fragst, ob ich helfen kann.
Then you just say ‘Hello’ and ask if I can help.
✕Common Mistakes
Was wenn jemand auf mich zukommt
Missing comma after “Was”. In German a comma separates the main clause from the subordinate clause introduced by “wenn”.
auf mich zu kommen
The separable verb must be split correctly: the prefix “zu‑” goes to the end of the clause (zukommt).
Was, wenn jemand auf mir zukommt?
“Zukommen” governs the accusative case, so the correct pronoun is “mich”, not “mir”.
↔Alternatives
Was, wenn mich jemand anspricht?
What if someone talks to me?
Was, wenn jemand zu mir kommt?
What if someone comes to me?
Was, falls jemand auf mich zukommt?
What, in case someone approaches me?
Cultural Tip
In German, the comma after “Was” is mandatory because the clause introduced by “wenn” is a subordinate clause. “Auf mich zukommen” can be used both literally (someone walking toward you) and figuratively (an opportunity or request coming your way). In more formal speech you might hear “wenn jemand zu mir käme”, but the everyday version with “zukommen” is perfectly natural.