German phrase
Was ist der Hintergrund von ~?
Meaning
What is the background to ___?
When to use it
It asks about the reasons. It is a neutral way to request context.
Example dialogue
Was ist der Hintergrund von dieser Entscheidung?
What is the background to this decision?
Neue Sicherheitsanforderungen zwangen uns dazu.
New safety requirements forced us to do it.