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weshalb

why

adverb ves-HALP Less Common
Communication Questions

Origin: 'wes' (of what) + 'halb' (because of)

Also means

which is why

Usage Note

weshalb asks 'why' and is interchangeable with warum, though it sounds a touch more formal. It also works as a relative connector meaning 'which is why', and as a subordinating word it sends the verb to the clause's end.

Examples

"Weshalb bist du so spät?"

Natural Translation

Why are you so late?

Literal Translation

Why are you so late?

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