German weil Explained: Word Order, denn and da
Weil is the most common German word for giving a reason, but it changes the word order. In this lesson from YourGermanTeacher, you learn the two ways to build a sentence with weil, the rules for subordinate clauses, and the difference between weil, denn and da.
Two Ways to Use weil
Weil means because. It starts a subordinate clause, and in a subordinate clause the conjugated verb goes to the end. You can put the weil clause second or first.
| Option | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1: main clause first | Main clause, weil + subject ... verb | Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich in Deutschland arbeiten möchte. |
| 2: weil clause first | Weil + subject ... verb, verb + subject ... | Weil ich in Deutschland arbeiten möchte, lerne ich Deutsch. |
In option 2 the weil clause takes position 1 of the whole sentence, so the verb of the main clause comes right after the comma (lerne ich). Always put a comma between the two clauses.
Rules for Subordinate Clauses with weil
| Case | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple verb | Conjugated verb at the end | ..., weil ich müde bin. |
| Separable verb | Verb and prefix stay together at the end | ..., weil ich morgen früh aufstehe. |
| Perfekt | Participle first, then haben / sein at the very end | ..., weil ich krank gewesen bin. |
| Modal verb | Infinitive first, then the conjugated modal verb | ..., weil ich arbeiten muss. |
Also remember: the subject usually comes directly after weil. When you answer a question with warum, you can start with weil: Warum lernst du Deutsch? - Weil ich in Deutschland leben möchte.
weil vs denn vs da
All three mean because, but they work differently.
| Word | Word order | Example |
|---|---|---|
| weil | subordinate clause: verb at the end | Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin. |
| denn | no change: verb in position 2, like a main clause | Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn ich bin krank. |
| da | subordinate clause: verb at the end, usually at the start of the sentence | Da ich krank bin, bleibe ich zu Hause. |
Denn is a coordinating conjunction: it does not change the word order and it cannot start a sentence. Da is used for reasons that are already known or obvious, and it is more formal than weil. Weil gives a new, important reason, and it is the best choice in most situations, especially when you answer a warum question.
What to Learn Next
Learn the basics of main and subordinate clauses in Satzbau I: German Main Clause Word Order and Satzbau II: German Subordinate Clauses. To build the Perfekt at the end of your weil clause, see German Perfect Tense: sein or haben? and German Separable Verbs: The Basics Explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the verb go in a weil sentence?
At the end of the weil clause: Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin.
What happens with separable verbs after weil?
The verb and its prefix stay together at the end: ..., weil ich morgen früh aufstehe.
Where do haben and sein go in the Perfekt after weil?
The participle comes first and the conjugated haben or sein is the last word: ..., weil ich krank gewesen bin.
What is the difference between weil and denn?
Weil sends the verb to the end. Denn does not change the word order: Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn ich bin krank.
When do I use da instead of weil?
Use da for reasons that are already known or obvious, usually at the start of a sentence and in more formal German: Da ich krank bin, bleibe ich zu Hause.
Get all of German word order and grammar in a clear, step-by-step path with the A2 German online course from YourGermanTeacher.
