How to Say ‘It depends.’ in German
Kommt darauf an.
komt da-ROWF ahn
[komt da-ROWF ahn]
💬 Usage Tip: This uses the split verb [ankommen]: [kommt] stays near the front and [an] moves to the end. You can reuse the pattern with other split verbs, like [Es fängt um acht an].
Phrase Breakdown
Kommt darauf
komt da-ROWF
depends on that / depends
Beginning of the fixed expression kommt darauf an meaning it depends.
Kommt darauf an, wie spät es ist.
It depends on what time it is.
Words in this phrase
Kommt
[komt]
depends
Used to say that the answer is conditional.
Kommt darauf an, wie überzeugend dein nächster Satz wird.
It depends on how convincing your next sentence is.
darauf
[da-ROWF]
on that; on it
Middle part of the expression 'it depends'.
Kommt darauf an, ob du nur frech oder auch nett bist.
It depends on whether you're just cheeky or also nice.
an
[ahn]
on
Final particle completing the idiom 'kommt darauf an'.
Worauf es ankommt? Dass du locker bleibst.
What matters? That you stay relaxed.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.”
Emma L., 27, UX Researcher
“Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.”
Marcus J., 40, Engineer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager