Ways to say it
| Swedish | IPA |
|---|---|
| eftersom | /ˈɛftɛrˌsɔm/ /ɛftɛrˈsɔm/ |
| därför att |
Both eftersom and därför att are conjunctions used to express the reason or cause for something. While they both translate to 'because', they are used in different contexts depending on what information you are providing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase därför att is literally composed of därför (therefore/for that) and att (that).
Which one should you use?
eftersom is typically used when the reason is already known to the listener or represents a logical consequence. In contrast, därför att is used to introduce a new or specific reason.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both eftersom and därför att are subordinating conjunctions that trigger the subclause word order, often referred to as the BIFF rule. This means the verb in the subclause must come before the subject if the subclause is moved to the front of the sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɛftɛrˌsɔm/
When do people say it?
When responding to a varför (why) question, you can use the word därför to mean 'that's why' or 'because of that'.
Did you know?
- The word eftersom is built from the words for 'after' and 'as' or 'like'.
Examples in context
- Han skrattar eftersom filmen är rolig.He laughs because the film is funny.This sentence shows how to use eftersom to provide a reason for laughing.Tatoeba #5264066 by YlvaEmelia, translation #5263647 by dynamo
- Han kunde inte komma därför att han var sjuk.He couldn't come because he was sick.This sentence demonstrates the use of därför att to introduce a specific reason for not being able to come.Tatoeba #9703962 by morbrorper, translation #303102 by CK
- Jag besökte honom inte eftersom jag var förkyld.I didn't call on him because I had a cold.This sentence illustrates the use of eftersom to explain why a visit did not happen.Tatoeba #9839096 by morbrorper, translation #261591 by CM
- Välj inte den klänningen eftersom den är för kort.Don't choose that dress because it's too short.
- Jag kan inte komma på festen på grund av att jag har andra planer.I cannot come to the party because I have other plans.
- Jag stannade hemma från jobbet idag för att jag är sjuk.I stayed home from work today because I'm sick.
- Eftersom du är min bästa vän, kan jag lita på dig.Because you're my best friend, I can trust you.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alice and Oscar are talking about why they are staying indoors.
- AliceVarför stannar vi inne idag?Why are we staying inside today?
- OscarVi stannar eftersom det regnar ute.We are staying because it is raining outside.
- AliceJag ser ingenstans att gå.I don't see anywhere to go.
- OscarPrecis, eftersom det är så blött.Exactly, because it is so wet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “because” translations and entries eftersom, därför att, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries att, därför, eftersom, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
