German word

Hauptgrund

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhaʊ̯ptˌgʁʊnt/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmain reason

Example

Wir kennen den Hauptgrund noch nicht.

We don't know the main reason yet.

Illustration for Hauptgrund (main reason)

More examples

Als Hauptgrund gelten häufig finanzielle Probleme.

Financial problems are often regarded as the main reason.

Core concept

Several explanations surround an event, but one central reason accounts for it most strongly.

Common phrases

  • als Hauptgrund gelten

    be regarded as the main reason

  • der Hauptgrund des Konflikts

    the main reason behind the conflict

Similar words

Grund: A general reason why something happens.
Ursache: The cause that brings about an event or state.
Anlass: The trigger or occasion that prompts an event or action.
Motiv: The personal motive or intention behind an action or choice.

Definition in German

Hauptgrund ist der wichtigste Grund, der ein Ereignis oder eine Entscheidung hauptsächlich erklärt.

Word origin

Hauptgrund is a compound of German Haupt, meaning main or chief, and Grund, meaning reason or basis.

Usage tips

  • Hauptgrund is masculine, so its definite form is der Hauptgrund and its plural is Hauptgründe with an umlaut.

Opposites

  • Nebenursachesecondary causenoun

Related words

  • Hauptthemacentral topicnoun
  • Hauptursacheprincipal causenoun

Word lists with this word