German Phrase
Es könnten Evakuierungsbefehle kommen.
Meaning
The sentence warns that evacuation orders may be issued. It conveys uncertainty about a future emergency measure, often used in news reports or official briefings.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing potential emergency situations such as severe weather, fires, or other hazards that might force authorities to order an evacuation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
EskönntenEvakuierungsbefehlekommen.
Dummy subject "Es"
In German, "es" can be used as a placeholder subject when the real subject follows later in the sentence.
Konjunktiv II of können – "könnten"
"könnten" expresses possibility or uncertainty, similar to "might" in English.
Compound noun – "Evakuierungsbefehle"
A noun formed from the verb "evakuieren" and the noun "Befehl", pluralized with -e.
Verb at the end – "kommen"
In main clauses, the finite verb (here "könnten") is in second position, while the infinitive "kommen" goes to the end.
🗨In Conversation
Es könnten Evakuierungsbefehle kommen.
Evacuation orders might be issued.
Dann sollten wir sofort unsere wichtigsten Dinge packen.
Then we should immediately pack our essential belongings.
✕Common Mistakes
Es können Evakuierungsbefehle kommen.
Using the indicative "können" removes the sense of uncertainty; the correct form is the Konjunktiv II "könnten".
Es könnten kommen Evakuierungsbefehle.
Placing "kommen" before the subject changes the clause structure; it must stay at the end of the sentence.
Es könnten Evakuierungsbefehl kommen.
The noun must be plural here because the sentence talks about possible multiple orders; singular would be "Evakuierungsbefehl".
↔Alternatives
Möglicherweise werden Evakuierungsbefehle erlassen.
Possibly evacuation orders will be issued.
Es besteht die Gefahr, dass Evakuierungsbefehle kommen.
There is a risk that evacuation orders will come.
Evakuierungsbefehle könnten bald ausgesprochen werden.
Evacuation orders could be announced soon.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries, the term "Evakuierungsbefehl" is used by official authorities (e.g., the police or fire department) during severe weather, floods, or industrial accidents. It is a formal, high‑register expression, so keep the tone serious and avoid colloquial shortcuts when speaking to or about officials.