Herbeiführen

Herbeiführen is a German verb that means to cause something to happen, to bring about a result, or to provoke a situation. It implies intentional action aimed at producing a specific outcome and can refer to physical, procedural, or causal processes. The prefix herbei- combined with führen conveys the idea of leading something toward a particular state.

In everyday language, the term is used for bringing about events, decisions, or responses. For example, one might speak of “eine Entscheidung herbeiführen” or “eine Reaktion herbeiführen” in a general sense, often emphasizing deliberate influence or action.

In medical contexts, the phrase often appears as “Wehen herbeiführen,” meaning the artificial induction of labor through medical intervention, such as medication or procedures. In pharmacology or laboratory settings, it can refer to triggering a biochemical or chemical reaction.

In legal or ethical discussions, “herbeiführen” can describe causing or inciting an outcome, such as “eine Straftat herbeiführen.” This is closely related to concepts like Anstiftung, wobei das Hervorrufen einer Straftat durch eine andere Person oder durch bestimmte Handlungen herbeigeführt wird. The usage tends to emphasize responsibility for initiating an unwanted or unlawful event.

The noun form is die Herbeiführung, referring to the act or process of bringing about a result. Synonyms include verursachen, auslösen, bewirken, and in some contexts induzieren. The term is generally used for deliberate or purposeful causation rather than natural, unintended occurrences.