German word

weshalb

Pronunciation

IPA/vɛsˈhalp/

Meaning

  • adverbwhy

Example

Ich weiß nicht, weshalb er so traurig ist.

I don't know why he is so sad.

Illustration for weshalb (why)

More examples

Weshalb eigentlich rufst du jetzt an?

Why are you calling now, anyway?

Core concept

A question mark points from a situation toward the motive that explains it.

Common phrases

  • Weshalb eigentlich?

    Why, exactly?

  • Weshalb gerade jetzt?

    Why now, of all times?

Similar words

warum: Seeks the reason for a situation, action, or event.
wieso: Questions the reason for something surprising or puzzling.
wozu: Questions what an action or thing is intended to achieve.

Definition in German

Fragt nach dem Grund oder Motiv einer Sache.

Word origin

The adverb comes from the historical phrase wes halb, literally asking on account of what, which became the modern form weshalb.

Usage tips

  • In an indirect question, weshalb introduces a subordinate clause with the finite verb at the end, as in a clause meaning why he is sad.

Word lists with this word