Subordinate clauses with weil
A2 · Elementary · Cases & Verbs
The rule
The verb goes to the end.
How it works
Weil (because) introduces a subordinate clause that gives a reason. The conjugated verb moves to the end of the clause, and the clause can come before or after the main clause. Weil is the most common connector for explaining reasons in German and it is used in speech and writing.
When to use it
Give a reason with weil (because) in a subordinate clause, where the verb goes to the end.
Use cases
- Explaining a choice: Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich in Wien arbeite
- Giving an excuse: Ich komme nicht, weil ich krank bin
- Justifying an opinion: Ich mag den Film, weil er lustig ist
Examples
- Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin – I stay home because I am ill
- Er bleibt zu Hause, weil es regnet. – He stays at home because it is raining.
- Weil der Zug Verspätung hat, komme ich später. – Because the train is late, I am coming later.
- Wir gehen nicht ins Kino, weil wir kein Geld haben. – We are not going to the cinema because we have no money.
Common mistake
Keeping the verb in second position after weil, for example "weil ich habe keine Zeit".
Memory tip
Weil + subject + … + verb. The conjugated verb is always last.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Verbs and Word Order: Tenses, Modals and Sentence Structure.