sofern
provided that
conjunction zo-FAYRN Less Common
Origin: 'so' + 'fern' (far)
Also means
as far as
Usage Note
sofern is a subordinating conjunction meaning 'provided that' or 'insofar as', so the verb goes to the end of its clause. It is more formal than wenn and often interchangeable with falls when stating a condition.
Examples
"Wir kommen, sofern es nicht regnet."
Natural Translation
We'll come, provided it doesn't rain.
Literal Translation
We come, provided it not rains.

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