German Phrase
Wenn du nicht erscheinst, können Stornogebühren anfallen.
Meaning
The sentence warns that, should you fail to show up, you may be charged cancellation fees. It is a typical conditional warning used in contracts, reservations and event notices.
When to use
Use this phrase when confirming bookings for hotels, flights, concerts, or any service that imposes a penalty for a no‑show. It is common in written terms and also in spoken reminders.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Wenndunichterscheinst,könnenStornogebührenanfallen.
Wenn‑Satz (conditional)
A "wenn" clause uses the present tense to talk about a possible future condition; the main clause also stays in the present (or with a modal).
Verb‑second (V2) rule
In the main clause the finite verb (können) occupies the second position; everything before it counts as the first field.
Negation with "nicht"
"nicht" negates the verb that follows it; here it negates "erscheinst".
Modalverb + Infinitiv
With a modal verb (können) the second verb stays in infinitive form (anfallen).
Plural noun with article omission
"Stornogebühren" is a plural noun; in this construction the article is omitted because it follows a modal verb.
🗨In Conversation
Musst du zur Konferenz kommen?
Do you have to attend the conference?
Ja, aber wenn ich nicht erscheine, können Stornogebühren anfallen.
Yes, but if I don’t show up, cancellation fees may apply.
✕Common Mistakes
Wenn du nicht erscheinst, werden Stornogebühren anfallen.
"Werden" would turn the sentence into a future passive; the correct modal is "können" to express possibility.
Wenn du erscheinst nicht, können Stornogebühren anfallen.
Placing "nicht" after the verb changes the meaning; it must precede the verb it negates.
Wenn du nicht erscheinst, können Stornogebühr anfallen.
The noun is plural here because multiple fees can apply; use the plural form "Stornogebühren".
↔Alternatives
Falls du nicht erscheinst, können Stornogebühren entstehen.
If you don’t show up, cancellation fees may arise.
Solltest du nicht erscheinen, fallen Stornogebühren an.
Should you not appear, cancellation fees will be charged.
Wenn du nicht erscheinst, wird dir eine Stornogebühr berechnet.
If you don’t show up, a cancellation fee will be charged to you.
Cultural Tip
German business communication is very direct; it’s normal to state possible fees explicitly. When you receive such a sentence, it’s a legal hint that the contract includes a penalty clause, so you should read the fine‑print carefully. In informal conversation you might soften it with "könnten" (could) or "vielleicht" (maybe) to sound less strict.