What is the difference between using ‘weil’ and ‘denn’ in German?

Both 'weil' and 'denn' mean 'because', however it is important to remember that they affect the structure of sentences differently:

'Denn' introduces a 'main clause', meaning that it can be used without any change to the word order of a sentence. 

eg. Jana ist eine gute Freundin, denn sie ist immer hilfsbereit und vertrauenswuerdig.

Jana is a good friend, because she is always helpful and trustworthy. 

VS

'Weil' introduces a 'subordinate clause', which means that it sends the verb to the end of the sentence.

eg. Jana ist eine gute Freundin, weil sie immer hilfsbereit und vertrauenswuerdig ist.

Jana is a good friend, because she is always helpful and trustworthy.

TIP: Always remember to put a comma before using either 'weil' or 'denn'!

HT
Answered by Hannah T. German tutor

30381 Views

See similar German GCSE tutors

Related German GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I figure out which case to use?


You're writing an entry for a German blog about your school, respectively, your school life. Give a general description of your school. Write which subjects you like and which not. Write what you did in school yesterday/tomorrow.


How does the position of the verb change in subordinate clauses compared to substantive clauses?


Which prepositions take the accusative?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning