What Does wegen Mean?
The German word wegen translates to “because of” or “due to” in English. It is used to explain the reason or cause for something. For example, “wegen des Wetters” means “because of the weather.”
Why Use the Genitive Case After wegen?
Traditionally, wegen is a genitive preposition. This means that the noun or pronoun following wegen should be in the genitive case. Using the genitive case correctly will make your German sound more polished and is especially important in formal writing and speech.
How to Form the Genitive Case After wegen
The genitive case in German often requires changing the article and, sometimes, the noun ending. Here’s a quick overview of the definite articles in the genitive case:
- Masculine: des
- Feminine: der
- Neuter: des
- Plural: der
For masculine and neuter nouns, you usually add an -s or -es to the noun. For example:
- wegen des Regens (because of the rain)
- wegen der Krankheit (because of the illness)
- wegen des Kindes (because of the child)
- wegen der Probleme (because of the problems)
Examples of wegen with the Genitive Case
Let’s look at some practical examples that you might encounter in everyday German:
- Wir bleiben wegen des schlechten Wetters zu Hause. (We are staying at home because of the bad weather.)
- Wegen der Verspätung haben wir den Zug verpasst. (Because of the delay, we missed the train.)
- Das Konzert wurde wegen des Sturms abgesagt. (The concert was cancelled because of the storm.)
Common Mistakes: Dative vs. Genitive After wegen
In spoken German, especially in Southern Germany and Austria, it’s common to hear the dative case after wegen (e.g., wegen dem Wetter). While this is accepted in everyday conversation, it’s considered incorrect in formal German. For exams, writing, and official contexts, always use the genitive case after wegen.
Tips for Remembering the Genitive with wegen
- Practice with real-life examples: Use language learning apps like Talkpal to practice forming sentences with wegen and the genitive case.
- Memorize set phrases: Certain expressions with wegen are very common. Learning them as chunks will help you remember the correct case.
- Read and listen: The more you expose yourself to written and spoken German, the more natural using the genitive after wegen will become.
Exceptions and Modern Usage
Language evolves, and in casual conversation, many native speakers use the dative case after wegen. However, if your goal is to speak and write correct, high-level German, especially for exams or professional communication, stick with the genitive case.
Practice Makes Perfect
Using wegen with the genitive case might feel challenging at first, but with regular practice, it will become second nature. Try making your own sentences or use interactive tools like Talkpal to reinforce your skills. Remember, mastering these finer points will set your German apart and help you communicate more effectively.
Conclusion
The preposition wegen is traditionally followed by the genitive case in German. While spoken language is becoming more flexible, the genitive remains the standard in writing and formal situations. By practicing with real examples and using resources like Talkpal, you’ll soon feel comfortable using wegen correctly and confidently in your German conversations. Keep practicing, and soon this grammar rule will become a natural part of your language repertoire!
