ConjunctionA2

weil

because

Weil means 'because' and is the most common way to give a reason in German. It introduces a subordinate clause, so the conjugated verb goes to the end. In spoken German, many people use it with main-clause word order, but learners should stick to the standard verb-final rule.

Heard in real German videos

Lines where weil was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.

Weil es unglaublich viel Geld kostet.Because it costs an unbelievable amount of money.
Na, weil es eine Kunstsammlung ist.Well, because it's an art collection.
Ich frühstücke, weil es lecker schmeckt.I have breakfast because it tastes delicious.

Example sentences

Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin.I'm staying home because I'm sick.
Wir gehen spazieren, weil die Sonne scheint.We're going for a walk because the sun is shining.
Er lernt Deutsch, weil er in Berlin arbeiten möchte.He's learning German because he wants to work in Berlin.

Grammar

Type	subordinating conjunction
Word order	verb goes to the end of the clause
Spoken variant	often used with main-clause word order in casual speech

Always put the conjugated verb at the end of the weil-clause in standard German.

Common phrases

weil ich es sagebecause I say so
nur weiljust because

The mistake English speakers make

Using main-clause word order after weil in formal writing. Fix: put the verb at the end of the weil-clause.

Don’t confuse it with

denn — Denn also means 'because' but is a coordinating conjunction, so it does not change word order; weil is more common in spoken German.
da — Da also means 'because' but often implies a reason already known to the listener, and it usually comes before the main clause.

Questions learners ask

Does weil change word order?

Yes, weil is a subordinating conjunction, so the conjugated verb goes to the end of the clause.

Can I start a sentence with weil?

Yes, you can start a sentence with a weil-clause, but then the main clause must begin with the verb.

Is it okay to say 'weil ich bin müde'?

In very casual spoken German, some people do this, but in standard German you should say 'weil ich müde bin'.