weshalb
why
Dieses Wort fragt nach dem Grund für etwas oder warum etwas passiert ist.
The German word "weshalb" is an adverb that means "why" or "for what reason". It is made up of "wes-" (a form of "was", meaning "what") and "-halb" (meaning "half" or "because of"). Combined, it functions as a question word or conjunction to ask or explain reasons.
Similar words:
- warum (why)
- weswegen (for what reason)
- wieso (how come)
Differences:
All these words function similarly and can often be used interchangeably in questions; however, "weshalb" and "weswegen" sound a bit more formal or literary compared to "warum" and "wieso", which are more common in spoken language.
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Examples
Weshalb denkst du das?adverb
Why do you think that?
Weshalb bist du nicht gekommen?adverb
Why didn't you come?
Weshalb kommst du zu spät? adverb
Why are you coming late?
Weshalb gehst du so früh?adverb
Why are you leaving so early?
Er fragt, weshalb du schon gehen willst.adverb
He asks why you already want to leave.
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