weshalb
why
adverb ves-HALP Less Common
Origin: 'wes' (of what) + 'halb' (because of)
Also means
which is why
Usage Note
weshalb asks 'why' and is interchangeable with warum, though it sounds a touch more formal. It also works as a relative connector meaning 'which is why', and as a subordinating word it sends the verb to the clause's end.
Examples
"Weshalb bist du so spät?"
Natural Translation
Why are you so late?
Literal Translation
Why are you so late?
Free starter pack
Building your German vocabulary?
Get the 100 most common German words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.
Related Words
Explore German by topic
