A2 Italian GrammarSubordinate Clauses (perché, che, quando)
Build complex Italian sentences using subordinate clauses. Learn to use perché (because), che (that), quando (when), and se (if) to express cause, time, and conditions clearly.
1Che (That) Clauses
The conjunction che (that) introduces noun clauses after verbs of thinking, saying, believing, and knowing. Unlike English, che cannot be omitted in Italian. It is the most common subordinating conjunction.
Verbs + Che
| Verb | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| pensare | Penso che sia vero | I think (that) it's true |
| credere | Credo che venga | I believe (that) he's coming |
| sapere | So che lavora qui | I know (that) he works here |
| dire | Dice che è stanco | He says (that) he's tired |
Examples
Penso che Marco arrivi domani.
I think (that) Marco is arriving tomorrow.
che cannot be omitted
Sappiamo che hai ragione.
We know (that) you are right.
indicative after sapere
Spero che tu stia bene.
I hope (that) you are well.
subjunctive after sperare
È vero che piove molto qui.
It's true that it rains a lot here.
che after impersonal expressions
2Perché (Because/Why)
Perché serves two functions: as a question word (why?) and as a conjunction (because). As a conjunction, it introduces causal clauses explaining reasons. For more formal contexts, use poiché or siccome.
Causal Conjunctions
| Italian | English | Register |
|---|---|---|
| perché | because | neutral/common |
| poiché | since, because | formal |
| siccome | since, as | neutral |
| dato che | given that | formal |
Examples
Non esco perché piove.
I'm not going out because it's raining.
perché + indicative
Siccome sei qui, ti aiuto.
Since you're here, I'll help you.
siccome starts the sentence
Dato che hai finito, puoi andare.
Given that you've finished, you can go.
dato che - formal cause
Studio l'italiano perché mi piace.
I study Italian because I like it.
reason/motivation
3Quando, Mentre, Appena (Time)
Temporal conjunctions express when actions happen. Quando (when) is the most common. Mentre (while) shows simultaneous actions. Appena (as soon as) indicates immediate sequence.
Temporal Conjunctions
| Italian | English | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| quando | when | general time |
| mentre | while | simultaneous actions |
| appena | as soon as | immediate sequence |
| prima che | before | requires subjunctive |
| dopo che | after | uses indicative |
Examples
Quando arrivo, ti chiamo.
When I arrive, I'll call you.
present tense for future
Leggo mentre mangio.
I read while I eat.
mentre - simultaneous
Appena sono arrivato, ho chiamato.
As soon as I arrived, I called.
appena - immediate sequence
Dopo che hai finito, vieni qui.
After you finish, come here.
dopo che + indicative
4Se (If) Conditional Clauses
Se introduces conditional clauses. For real/possible conditions at A2 level, use indicative in both clauses. The if-clause can come first or second. Word order affects emphasis.
Real Conditions
| Se-clause | Main Clause | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Se piove | resto a casa | If it rains, I stay home |
| Se hai tempo | vieni con me | If you have time, come with me |
| Se vuoi | puoi venire | If you want, you can come |
| Se non studi | non passi | If you don't study, you won't pass |
Examples
Se fa bel tempo, andiamo al mare.
If the weather is nice, we'll go to the beach.
present + present
Ti aiuto se mi chiedi.
I'll help you if you ask me.
main clause first
Se non capisci, chiedi.
If you don't understand, ask.
imperative in main clause
Vieni alla festa se puoi.
Come to the party if you can.
invitation with condition