Weil vs Denn vs Deshalb: German Connectors Explained (+ Word Order)
Beyond German Team
You know how to say "because" in German. But do you know which "because" to use?
German has three common words that all translate to "because" or "so" in English:
- weil (because)
- denn (because / for)
- deshalb (therefore / so)
They're not interchangeable. Each one has different word order rules, and using the wrong one will sound unnatural or even confusing to native speakers.
This guide will teach you exactly when and how to use each connector — with clear examples, side-by-side comparisons, and a cheat sheet you can reference anytime.
Quick Overview: What's the Difference?
| Word | Meaning | What it connects | Word Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| weil | because | Main clause + reason | Verb goes to the END |
| denn | because / for | Main clause + reason | Normal word order |
| deshalb | therefore / so | Reason + result | Verb in position 2 |
The key insight: weil and denn introduce the reason, while deshalb introduces the result.
1. Weil (Because) — Subordinating Conjunction
Weil is the most common way to say "because" in German. It introduces a subordinate clause, which means the verb moves to the end of that clause.
Word Order Rule:
[Main Clause] + weil + [Subject] + [Middle Stuff] + [VERB at the end]Examples:
- Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin.
(I'm staying home because I am sick.) - Sie lernt Deutsch, weil sie in Berlin arbeiten möchte.
(She's learning German because she wants to work in Berlin.) - Wir können nicht kommen, weil wir keine Zeit haben.
(We can't come because we have no time.)
Notice how the verb (bin, möchte, haben) lands at the very end of the weil clause? That's the rule. Always.
Starting with Weil:
You can also start the sentence with"weil". In this case, the main clause that follows starts with the verb:
- Weil ich müde bin, gehe ich früh ins Bett.
(Because I'm tired, I'm going to bed early.)
This "verb–verb" pattern at the comma is a telltale sign of German subordinate clauses.
2. Denn (Because / For) — Coordinating Conjunction
Denn also means "because," but it's a coordinating conjunction. This means it connects two equal main clauses, and the word order stays normal (verb in position 2).
Word Order Rule:
[Main Clause] + denn + [Subject] + [VERB] + [Rest of Sentence]Examples:
- Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn ich bin krank.
(I'm staying home, for I am sick.) - Sie lernt Deutsch, denn sie möchte in Berlin arbeiten.
(She's learning German, for she wants to work in Berlin.) - Wir können nicht kommen, denn wir haben keine Zeit.
(We can't come, for we have no time.)
See how the verb (bin, möchte, haben) stays right after the subject? That's the difference between denn and weil.
When to Use Denn vs Weil:
- Weil is more common in everyday speech.
- Denn sounds slightly more formal or literary.
- Denn can never start a sentence (unlike "weil").
- Both mean exactly the same thing — the only difference is word order.
3. Deshalb / Deswegen / Darum (Therefore / So) — Adverbs
Deshalb, deswegen, and darum all mean "therefore" or "that's why." They introduce the result, not the reason.
These are adverbs, so they take position 1 in the sentence, and the verb follows immediately in position 2.
Word Order Rule:
[Reason Clause]. Deshalb/Deswegen/Darum + [VERB] + [Subject] + [Rest]Examples:
- Ich bin krank. Deshalb bleibe ich zu Hause.
(I'm sick. Therefore I'm staying home.) - Sie möchte in Berlin arbeiten. Deswegen lernt sie Deutsch.
(She wants to work in Berlin. That's why she's learning German.) - Wir haben keine Zeit. Darum können wir nicht kommen.
(We have no time. That's why we can't come.)
Notice the verb comes immediately after deshalb/deswegen/darum? That's because these adverbs occupy position 1, pushing the verb to position 2.
Deshalb vs Deswegen vs Darum:
All three mean the same thing. The only difference is register:
- deshalb — most common, neutral
- deswegen — equally common, neutral
- darum — slightly more casual/spoken
You can use them interchangeably without changing meaning.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Let's express the same idea three ways:
English: I'm staying home because I'm sick.
| Connector | German Sentence | Verb Position in 2nd Clause |
|---|---|---|
| weil | Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin. | END |
| denn | Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn ich bin krank. | Position 2 (normal) |
| deshalb | Ich bin krank. Deshalb bleibe ich zu Hause. | Position 2 (inverted) |
All three sentences mean the same thing — they just use different structures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Mistake 1: Wrong verb position with weil
Wrong: Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich bin krank.
Right: Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin.
With "weil," the verb MUST go to the end.
❌ Mistake 2: Starting a sentence with denn
Wrong: Denn ich bin krank, bleibe ich zu Hause.
Right: Weil ich krank bin, bleibe ich zu Hause.
"Denn" can never start a sentence. Use "weil" instead.
❌ Mistake 3: Confusing cause and effect with deshalb
Wrong: Ich bleibe zu Hause. Deshalb bin ich krank.
Right: Ich bin krank. Deshalb bleibe ich zu Hause.
"Deshalb" introduces the result, not the cause. Put the reason first, then "deshalb" + result.
❌ Mistake 4: Forgetting verb inversion after deshalb
Wrong: Deshalb ich bleibe zu Hause.
Right: Deshalb bleibe ich zu Hause.
"Deshalb" takes position 1, so the verb must be in position 2 (before the subject).
Cheat Sheet: When to Use Which
| Use this... | When you want to... | Example |
|---|---|---|
| weil | Give a reason (verb at end) | ..., weil ich müde bin. |
| denn | Give a reason (normal word order) | ..., denn ich bin müde. |
| deshalb | State the result/consequence | Deshalb gehe ich schlafen. |
Memory trick:
- Weil = verb goes to the Way back (end)
- Denn = Don't change the word order
- Deshalb = Different direction (starts with result)
Bonus: Other Causal Connectors
Once you master weil, denn, and deshalb, here are more connectors to level up:
| Connector | Meaning | Type | Word Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| da | since / because | Subordinating | Verb at end (like weil) |
| nämlich | namely / you see | Adverb | Mid-sentence |
| aus diesem Grund | for this reason | Adverb phrase | Verb in position 2 |
| daher | therefore | Adverb | Verb in position 2 |
Da is almost identical to "weil," but sounds slightly more formal or written. It's very common when the reason comes first:
- Da ich krank bin, bleibe ich zu Hause.
Practice Exercises
Connect these sentences using weil, denn, or deshalb:
- Es regnet. Ich nehme einen Regenschirm. (Use deshalb)
- Er kann nicht kommen. Er muss arbeiten. (Use weil)
- Wir gehen ins Kino. Der Film ist gut. (Use denn)
Answers:
- Es regnet. Deshalb nehme ich einen Regenschirm.
- Er kann nicht kommen, weil er arbeiten muss.
- Wir gehen ins Kino, denn der Film ist gut.
FAQ
Is weil or denn more common?
Weil is more common in spoken German. Denn is more common in formal writing. Both are correct and natural.
Can I use weil with normal word order?
In casual spoken German, some native speakers do say "weil ich bin müde" (verb not at end). This is technically grammatically incorrect but common in informal speech. For writing and exams, always put the verb at the end with weil.
What's the difference between deshalb and also?
Deshalb = "therefore" (strong logical consequence)
Also = "so" / "well" (softer, more conversational)
"Also" can also mean "in other words" and is much more flexible. "Deshalb" always signals a clear cause-effect relationship.
Final Thoughts
German causal connectors trip up a lot of learners because they look similar but behave differently. Here's the takeaway:
- Weil → reason, verb at END
- Denn → reason, verb stays NORMAL
- Deshalb → result, verb in position 2
Practice with real sentences, and soon these patterns will become second nature.
You've got this!