German Phrase
Was, wenn ich zu spät komme?
Meaning
Literally, “What, if I arrive too late?” It is a conditional question that asks about the consequences or plans should the speaker be late.
When to use
Use this sentence when you’re unsure how a meeting, appointment, or event will be handled if you don’t make it on time – for example before a class, a work meeting, or a social gathering.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Was,wennichzuspätkomme?
Was (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask 'what' in a question; here it introduces a conditional clause.
wenn (subordinating conjunction)
Introduces a conditional clause; the verb moves to the end of the clause.
zu spät (adverbial phrase)
Literally 'too late'; modifies the verb and expresses a time‑related problem.
komme (verb kommen, 1st person singular)
In a subordinate clause the verb appears at the end; 'komme' = 'I arrive/come'.
Verb‑final order
In German subordinate clauses the finite verb is placed at the end of the clause.
🗨In Conversation
Wir starten um 9 Uhr. Was, wenn ich zu spät komme?
We start at 9 a.m. What if I arrive late?
Dann warten wir noch ein paar Minuten, aber wir beginnen pünktlich.
Then we’ll wait a few minutes, but we’ll start on time.
✕Common Mistakes
Wenn ich zu spät komme?
Missing the introductory 'Was,' makes the sentence sound like a statement rather than a question.
Was, wenn ich komme zu spät?
In a subordinate clause the verb must be at the end; 'ich komme zu spät' is a main‑clause order.
Was, wenn ich zu spät zu kommen?
The infinitive form is incorrect here; you need the conjugated verb 'komme' at the end of the clause.
↔Alternatives
Was passiert, wenn ich zu spät komme?
What happens if I arrive late?
Wie sieht es aus, wenn ich zu spät komme?
How does it look if I’m late?
Was, falls ich zu spät komme?
What, in case I’m late?
Cultural Tip
Punctuality is highly valued in German‑speaking countries. Arriving late can be seen as disrespectful, so it’s common to ask this question in advance to show responsibility and to find out whether the meeting can be delayed or if you should make other arrangements.