Teaching guidelines +/- 15 minutes

Learn how to use the Zero Conditional (condizionale zero) in Italian to express general truths and habitual actions. This lesson covers forming sentences with 'Se + present indicative + present indicative' and explains the structure with practical examples like 'Se dai il numero di telefono, ti contatto.' Understand the key grammatical points and the differences between Italian and English usage for clear, accurate communication at A1 level.
  1. In the zero conditional, the consequence always occurs when the condition is met.
  2. The sentence begins with "se".
Formula (Formula)Esempio (Example)
Se + presente indicativo + presente indicativo.Se dai il numero di telefono, ti contatto. (If you give the phone number, I contact you.)
Se + presente indicativo + presente indicativoSe invii la mail, ricevi la risposta. (If you send the email, you receive the reply.)
Se + presente indicativo + presente indicativoSe vive in Italia, è italiano. (If he/she lives in Italy, he/she is Italian.)

Exercise 1: Il condizionale zero

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

scrivi, vivi, dai, usate, invio, vive, chiami, contattiamo

1.
Se ..., lui risponde sempre.
(If you call, he always answers.)
2.
Se ... la lettera oggi, arriva domani.
(If I send the letter today, it arrives tomorrow.)
3.
Se ... la lettera, la leggo subito.
(If you write the letter, I read it immediately.)
4.
Se ... il numero, ti contatto subito.
(If you give the number, I will contact you immediately.)
5.
Se ... il cliente, ci risponde subito.
(If we contact the customer, he replies immediately.)
6.
Se ... qui, conosci l'indirizzo.
(If you live here, you know the address.)
7.
Se ... in Spagna, parla spagnolo.
(He lives in Spain, he speaks Spanish.)
8.
Se ... il prefisso giusto, funziona tutto.
(If you use the right prefix, everything works.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. Se ___ il numero di telefono, ti chiamo subito.

(If ___ the phone number, I'll call you right away.)

2. Se ___ la mail, ricevi una risposta veloce.

(If ___ the email, you receive a quick reply.)

3. Se ___ in Italia, sei italiano.

(If ___ in Italy, you are Italian.)

4. Se ___ l'indirizzo, te lo danno subito.

(If ___ for the address, they give it to you right away.)

5. Se ___ il telefono, chiami un amico.

(If ___ the phone, you call a friend.)

6. Se ___ bene, vedi l'indirizzo sulla carta.

(If ___ carefully, you see the address on the card.)

Understanding the Zero Conditional in Italian

The Zero Conditional, or condizionale zero, is a fundamental grammatical structure used to express general truths, scientific facts, or habitual actions in Italian. This lesson focuses on how to form and use the zero conditional to communicate situations where one action always causes another.

Forming the Zero Conditional

The formula is simple: Se + present indicative + present indicative. For example:

  • Se dai il numero di telefono, ti contatto.
  • Se invii la mail, ricevi la risposta.
  • Se vive in Italia, è italiano.

Key Points

  • The sentence always starts with the conjunction se (if).
  • The action in the if-clause (se + verb) is followed by a result expressed in the present indicative tense.
  • The consequence happens every time the condition is met — it’s a general fact or habit.

Important Differences from English

In Italian, unlike English, the zero conditional uses the present indicative tense in both clauses, not the present simple in the if-clause and main clause separately. For instance, both verbs are in the present indicative (dai - contatto), whereas English uses "if you give… I call".

Useful phrases to remember:

  • Se dai = If you give
  • Ti contatto = I contact you / I call you
  • Se vivi = If you live
  • È italiano = He/She is Italian

Summary

This lesson equips learners with the knowledge to describe cause-and-effect relationships in Italian that are always true, using the present indicative tense on both sides of the conditional sentence. Mastery of the zero conditional enriches everyday conversations, especially when discussing routines, scientific facts, or simple cause and effect.

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Fabio Pirioni

Bachelor in Humanities

University of Udine

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Last Updated:

Tuesday, 15/07/2025 00:55