wegen
because of · because
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Definition & meaning
The German word wegen is a preposition used to express a reason, cause, or motive. It translates to "because of," "due to," or "on account of."
- Indicating a cause or reason: It explains why something happens or exists (e.g., "Wegen des Regens bleiben wir zu Hause" – Because of the rain, we are staying home).
- Indicating a motive or purpose: It can also mean "for the sake of" or "concerning" (e.g., "Ich rufe wegen des Termins an" – I am calling about the appointment).
In colloquial speech, it is also common to see it used as an adverbial phrase at the end of a sentence or standing alone to mean "because of that."
Grammar & Word origin
Grammatically, wegen is a preposition that primarily takes the genitive case in standard German. However, in colloquial German and some regional dialects, it is frequently used with the dative case.
- Standard usage: Wegen des schlechten Wetters (Genitive).
- Colloquial usage: Wegen dem schlechten Wetter (Dative).
When used with personal pronouns, it is common to attach an "-et" or "-t" suffix to the preposition, forming words like meinetwegen (for my sake / I don't mind), deinetwegen (because of you), or seinetwegen (because of him).
The word originates from the Middle High German "wegen," which is derived from the noun "Weg" (way/path). Originally, it meant "in the path of" or "in the matter of."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- aufgrund (due to)
- anlässlich (on the occasion of)
- hinsichtlich (regarding/with respect to)
- angesichts (in view of)
Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms for a causal preposition, though one could argue that terms indicating a lack of relation or purpose, such as grundlos (groundless/without cause), represent the conceptual opposite.
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Examples
Wegen des Wetters gehen wir nicht spazieren.preposition
We are not going for a walk because of the weather.
Wegen ihrer Arbeit kann sie leider nicht kommen.preposition
Because of her work, she unfortunately can't come.
Wegen ihres Termins kommt sie später.preposition
Because of her appointment, she is coming later.
Wegen der Krankheit bleibe ich zu Hause.preposition
Because of the illness, I am staying at home.
Wegen der Verspätung kommen wir später an.preposition
Because of the delay, we will arrive later.
Wegen einer Erkältung blieb er gestern im Bett.preposition
Because of a cold, he stayed in bed yesterday.
Viele Veranstaltungen wurden wegen des Streiks abgesagt.Word type unavailable
Many events were canceled because of the strike.
Wegen des schlechten Wetters fand das Picknick drinnen statt.Word type unavailable
Because of the bad weather, the picnic took place indoors.
Wegen ihrer Verspätung verpassten sie den Bus.Word type unavailable
Because of their delay, they missed the bus.
Wegen des Schneefalls hatten die Schüler heute frei.Word type unavailable
Because of the snowfall, the students had the day off today.
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