This is the 4592nd most frequent German word.
sofern
"Provided that" or "as long as."
The word "sofern" is used as a conditional particle indicating a prerequisite or condition under which the statement holds true.
Ich helfe dir, sofern du mich um Hilfe bittest.
I will help you, provided you ask me for help.
Here, "sofern" specifies the condition related to the weather for the activity of hiking to take place.
Sofern das Wetter gut ist, können wir wandern gehen.
If the weather is good, we can go hiking.
"Sofern" is employed as a clause introducer that sets conditions regarding the clarity of the rules.