denn or weil?

Both give a reason. The difference is grammatical: after denn the word order stays normal, after weil the verb moves to the end.

Both give a reason. The difference is grammatical: after denn the word order stays normal, after weil the verb moves to the end.

denn

A main-clause conjunction: subject, then verb - as in any ordinary sentence.

Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn ich bin müde.I'm staying home, for I'm tired.

A subordinating conjunction: the finite verb goes right to the end.

Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich müde bin.I'm staying home because I'm tired.

Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich bin müde.

Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich müde bin.

„weil“ introduces a subordinate clause, where the verb goes last. (You do hear the wrong form in speech - don't write it.)

Answering „Warum?“ with a stand-alone clause only works with weil: „Weil ich müde bin.“ - „denn“ cannot do that.

Create a free account to practice this with spaced repetition and track your progress.