When do you use the conditional tense in Italian?

The conditional tense is used to express hypothetical or probable situations. As a rule of thumb, in English when we say phrases such as 'should' or 'would' it corresponds to the Italian conditional tense. For example: I would learn German if it weren't so difficult - Imparerei il Tedesco se non fosse cosi difficile Here we are using the conditional tense to show that you would, hypothetically, like to learn German if it were easier.In addition to this it used to express politeness and formality when wishing to be respectful with whom you are speaking or writing.