Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| weil | /vaɪ̯l/ |
| denn | /dɛn/ /dən/ (modal, particle) |
| da | /daː/ |
These words are used to express a reason or cause. While weil is used to introduce a new piece of information that explains a reason, da is often used when the reason is already known to the listener or is being introduced as a given premise, similar to 'since' in English. Related words like deshalb, darum and deswegen are used to mean 'therefore' or 'that's why' to introduce a consequence rather than a cause.
Which one should you use?
weil and da are subordinating conjunctions, whereas denn is a coordinating conjunction. Because denn is coordinating, it does not change the word order, meaning the verb remains in the second position, unlike weil and da.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a subordinating conjunction, weil triggers subordinate clause word order, which sends the conjugated verb to the end of the clause.
How do you pronounce it?
/vaɪ̯l/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using weil to mean 'therefore'. In German, weil introduces the cause, but if you want to introduce the consequence (meaning 'therefore'), you should use deshalb, darum or deswegen.
Did you know?
- In casual spoken German, people often use weil with the same word order as denn, keeping the verb in the second position rather than at the end.
- The word weil actually comes from a noun meaning 'a while' or 'a period of time', rather than a direct word for 'reason'.
- German speakers use the phrase weil es eben so ist to mean 'because that is just how it is' when they want to end an argument without giving a real reason.
Examples in context
- Weil er da ist.Because it is there.This example shows how to use weil to provide a reason.Tatoeba #11114465 by Vortarulo, translation #36437 by magnificentgoddess
- Weil es ihn gibt.Because it exists.Tatoeba #792446 by Hans_Adler, translation #6201766 by carlosalberto
- Weil wir es wert sind.Because we're worth it.Tatoeba #745025 by Esperantostern, translation #744915 by U2FS
- Ich konnte nicht zum Meeting kommen, denn ich war krank.I couldn't attend the meeting because I was sick.
- Ich bin müde, weil ich gestern spät aufgeblieben bin.I am tired because I stayed up late yesterday.
- Ich komme später, da ich noch einkaufen muss.I'll come later because I still need to go shopping.
- Ich bin glücklich wegen des schönen Wetters.I am happy because of the beautiful weather.
- Weil ich müde bin, gehe ich früh ins Bett.Because I am tired, I go to bed early.
- Weil es viel geregnet hat, ist der Boden nass.Because it rained a lot, the ground is wet.
- Da ich zu spät aufgewacht bin, musste ich eilen.Because I woke up late, I had to rush.
- Wegen des Staus sind wir im Verkehr stecken geblieben.Because of the traffic jam, we got stuck in traffic.
- 1884 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are talking about why Lukas is tired.
- LukasIch bin heute sehr müde.I am very tired today.
- LauraWarum bist du so müde, Lukas?Why are you so tired, Lukas?
- LukasIch bin müde, weil ich schlecht geschlafen habe.I am tired because I slept poorly.
- LauraDas tut mir leid zu hören.I am sorry to hear that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “because” translations and entries weil, denn, da, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries da, denn, weil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
