Time Clauses

Kurz erklärt

Time clauses say when one action happens in relation to another. Common connectors include cuando, mientras, hasta que, en cuanto and tan pronto como. Use the indicative for habits and events presented as facts. When the clause refers to a future event that has not happened yet, use the present subjunctive, even though English normally uses the present tense.

Bildung

main clause + cuando/hasta que/en cuanto/tan pronto como + indicative (habit or fact) / present subjunctive (pending future event); antes de que + subjunctive

Verwendung

• Use the indicative for repeated, completed or currently observed events.
• Use the present subjunctive after a time connector when the event is still pending in the future.
• Use the subjunctive after antes de que because the main action happens before the other event.

Beispiele

• Cuando llego a casa, preparo la cena. — When I get home, I prepare dinner.
• Te llamaré cuando llegue al hotel. — I’ll call you when I arrive at the hotel.
• Esperamos aquí hasta que deje de llover. — We’ll wait here until it stops raining.
• Avísame en cuanto tengas noticias. — Let me know as soon as you have news.

Typischer Fehler

❌ Te llamaré cuando llegaré al hotel.

✅ Te llamaré cuando llegue al hotel.

Do not use the future tense after cuando for a pending future event; use the present subjunctive.

Merke

A future meaning does not automatically require a future tense in the time clause. If the event is still pending, choose the subjunctive.