deshalb
/ˈdɛshalp/
The English phrase "therefore" is translated into German using deshalb, deswegen or darum.
Meaning: consequently, by consequence (adv)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| deshalb | /ˈdɛshalp/ /dɛsˈhalp/ |
| deswegen | /ˈdɛsˈveːɡn̩/ |
| darum | /ˈdaːʁʊm/ /daːˈʁʊm/ |
If you want to say "for this reason", you can use aus diesem Grund. To say "as a consequence", use infolgedessen. For a version that means "thus", use somit.
What does it mean word for word?
The word deswegen is a compound of des (of the) and wegen (because of), which literally translates to "because of that".
Which one should you use?
While deshalb, deswegen and darum are often interchangeable in meaning, deshalb and deswegen are more common in both spoken and written German. In some contexts, darum can feel more emphatic or slightly more colloquial.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using deshalb as a connector at the start of a clause, it triggers inversion, which means the verb must follow it immediately.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdɛshalp/
Did you know?
- In German, darum can be used as a standalone answer to 'why' when a speaker refuses to give a real reason. It translates to 'just because' or 'because I said so'.
- The word deshalb contains the root halp, which is an old word for 'half'. In its earliest form, the phrase referred to the 'half' or side of a matter.
- Though deshalb, deswegen and darum are often interchangeable, using darum can make your reasoning sound more insistent or even stubborn in a conversation.
Examples in context
- Alles ist vergänglich und deshalb leidvoll.Everything is transient and therefore sorrowful.This sentence shows how to use deshalb to link two adjectives.Tatoeba #2253194 by Esperantostern, translation #6192348 by carlosalberto
- Er wurde in England geboren und spricht deshalb Englisch.He was born in England, and therefore speaks English.This sentence demonstrates how deshalb connects a person's origin to a resulting skill.Tatoeba #5141521 by aigi, translation #6008163 by CannedBread
- Deswegen wird es für den Rest des Jahres geschlossen werden.Therefore it will be closed for the rest of the year.This sentence shows the use of deswegen to explain a resulting closure.Tatoeba #2086388 by Tamy, translation #42023 by orcrist
- Er hatte viel gelernt, deshalb bestand er die Prüfung.He had studied a lot, therefore, he passed the exam.
- Die Ergebnisse waren eindeutig, folglich ist eine Neubewertung notwendig.The results were clear, therefore, a reassessment is necessary.
- Ich hatte viel Hunger, also habe ich eine Pizza bestellt.I was very hungry, so I ordered a pizza.
- Es ist schon spät, daher sollten wir uns beeilen.It's already late, so we should hurry.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are discussing why they should leave early for the airport.
- LauraEs gibt heute viel Stau.There is a lot of traffic today.
- LukasWir müssen deshalb früher losfahren.Therefore, we have to leave earlier.
- LauraDas ist eine gute Idee, Lukas.That is a good idea, Lukas.
- LukasIch packe jetzt meine Tasche.I am packing my bag now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “therefore” translations and entries deshalb, deswegen, darum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries darum, deshalb, deswegen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
