Weil - because - To Show reason
If you're learning German, one of the first conjunctions you’ll come across is "weil" — and for good reason!
It’s a common word used in everyday conversation to express cause and effect.
In English, it simply means "because." But as always with German grammar, there's more than meets the eye.
✅ What Does "weil" Mean?
"Weil" is a conjunction used to explain the reason for something.
[Main Clause], weil [Subject] [Other Elements] [Verb].
Example:
✅ What Does "weil" Mean?
"Weil" is a conjunction used to explain the reason for something.
Structure:
[Main Clause], weil [Subject] [Other Elements] [Verb].
Example:
Ich gehe ins Bett, weil ich müde bin.
Breakdown:
=> Main clause:- Ich gehe ins Bett (I go to bed)
=> "weil":- introduces the reason
=> Subordinate clause:- ich müde bin (I am tired → verb bin at the end)
For example:
=> Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es regnet.
I’m staying home because it’s raining.
Simple, right? But let’s dig a bit deeper.
🧠 Grammar Rule: Word Order with "weil"
When using "weil", it changes the word order in the sentence.
In German, subordinating conjunctions send the verb to the end of the clause.
Example:
1. Ich kann nicht kommen, weil ich arbeiten muss.
Example:
1. Ich kann nicht kommen, weil ich arbeiten muss.
I can't come because I have to work.
Notice how the verb "muss" goes to the end of the clause after "weil."
Notice how the verb "muss" goes to the end of the clause after "weil."
🚫 Common Mistake: Forgetting to Move the Verb
A lot of German learners make this mistake:
❌ Ich gehe nicht, weil es ist spät.
✔️ Ich gehe nicht, weil es spät ist.
I'm not going because it's late.
Remember: The verb goes at the end of the "weil" clause!
🔁 Inverted Structure (Starting with "weil")
You can also start the sentence with "weil", but then the main clause starts with the verb
Weil + [Subject] + [Other Elements] + [Verb], [Verb]+ [Subject]+ [Other Elements].
Example:
Weil ich müde bin, gehe ich ins Bett.
Ich esse jetzt, weil ich Hunger habe.
I’m eating now because I’m hungry.
Er bleibt zu Hause, weil er krank ist.
Er bleibt zu Hause, weil er krank ist.
Wir gehen nicht ins Kino, weil es zu spät ist.
We’re not going to the cinema because it’s too late.
Sie lernt viel, weil sie morgen eine Prüfung hat.
Sie lernt viel, weil sie morgen eine Prüfung hat.
She studies a lot because she has an exam tomorrow.
Ich trage eine Jacke, weil es kalt ist.
I’m wearing a jacket because it’s cold.
Wir sind glücklich, weil wir Urlaub haben.
We are happy because we’re on vacation.
Er liest das Buch, weil es interessant ist.
He’s reading the book because it’s interesting.
Ich kann nicht kommen, weil ich arbeiten muss.
I can’t come because I have to work.
Sie tanzen, weil sie Musik hören.
They are dancing because they hear music.
Ich bin müde, weil ich gestern spät ins Bett gegangen bin.
I am tired because I went to bed late yesterday.
💡 Pro Tip: "Weil" vs. "denn"
German also has another word for "because" — "denn." But there's a key difference:
=> "Denn" doesn’t change the word order.
=> "Weil" sends the verb to the end.
🟨 Example with "denn":
Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn es regnet.
🟩 Example with "weil":
Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es regnet.
Both mean the same thing, but the grammar changes!
Try completing these with your own ideas:
Ich bin müde, weil _________.
Er ist glücklich, weil _________.
Wir fahren nicht, weil _________.
🎯 Summary
"Weil" = because
=> Sends the verb to the end of the clause
=> Explains reasons and causes
Don’t confuse it with "denn", which doesn’t affect word order
Learn More:
 in German | Learn German Conjunction Easy | Top 10 Sentences){kind=link}