weil vs denn
When to Use
Both mean 'because' but differ in word order. weil is a subordinating conjunction — the verb goes to the END (weil es regnet). denn is a coordinating conjunction — normal V2 word order (denn es regnet). Also: weil can start a sentence, denn cannot.
Comparison
| weil | denn | |
|---|---|---|
| Word order | Verb at END | Verb SECOND (V2) |
| Clause type | Subordinate | Main (coordinating) |
| Can start sentence | Yes (Weil ich müde bin, ...) | No |
Examples
Correct
Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es regnet.
Wrong
Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil regnet es.
Correct
Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn es regnet.
Wrong
Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn regnet es.
Tips
weil = verb at end. denn = verb stays in position 2. That's the only difference!
In spoken German, people sometimes use weil with V2 order ('weil es regnet halt so'). Grammatically wrong but common.
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