Subordinate Clauses with "weil"

1. Function

• "weil" is a subordinating conjunction and means *because* in English.
• It introduces a subordinate clause (Nebensatz) that expresses a reason.
• It is very common in both spoken and written German.
  • Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin. (I stay at home because I am sick.)

2. Structure

[Main clause] + , + weil + [Subject + ... + Verb at the end] or weil + [Subject + ... + Verb at the end] + , + [Main clause]

• Wir nehmen den Bus, weil es regnet. (We take the bus because it is raining.)
• Weil es regnet, nehmen wir den Bus. (Because it is raining, we take the bus.)

3. Usage

• "weil" is used to give a reason (neutral, everyday style).
• It is the most common conjunction for "because".
• Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

4. Position in the Sentence

• "weil"-clauses can be placed: - At the beginning: Weil es spät ist, gehe ich schlafen. - At the end: Ich gehe schlafen, weil es spät ist.
• If the "weil"-clause comes first, the verb of the main clause follows immediately (inversion).

Created: 31 Aug 2025

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