German word

verursachen

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈuːɐ̯ˌzaxn̩/

Meaning

  • verbcause

Example

Der starke Regen verursachte eine Überschwemmung.

The heavy rain caused a flood.

Illustration for verursachen (cause)

More examples

Der Baustopp hat Verzögerungen verursacht.

The construction stoppage caused delays.

Core concept

One event acts as a trigger for another event or condition, including damage or expense.

Common phrases

  • Konflikte verursachen

    cause conflicts

  • Schaden verursachen

    cause damage

  • Verzögerungen verursachen

    cause delays

Similar words

auslösen: To start an immediate reaction or phenomenon through a stimulus or action.
bewirken: To bring about a specific result as a direct cause.
führen zu: To result in another condition because of an action or state.
veranlassen: To prompt someone to take action or begin a procedure.

Definition in German

etwas zum Auslöser für ein Ereignis machen; Folgen oder Schaden erzeugen

Word origin

Verursachen is a derivative of Ursache, an old compound containing ur- and Sache, with the verb-forming ending -en.

Usage tips

  • In the passive, the result becomes the subject, as in Eine Ueberschwemmung wurde durch den Regen verursacht.

Opposites

Related words

  • Verursachercausernoun
  • Verursachungcausationnoun
  • verursachtcausedadjective

Word lists with this word