Warum

Warum is a German interrogative adverb meaning “for what reason” or “why.” It is used to ask for explanations or causes and is one of the most common question words in standard German, appearing in both everyday speech and formal writing.

In direct questions, warum begins the inquiry and is followed by the predicate, with verb-second word order in main clauses: Warum bist du müde? Warum funktioniert das nicht? In indirect or embedded questions, warum introduces a subordinate clause and the verb is placed at the end: Ich frage mich, warum du zu spät gekommen bist. Er möchte wissen, warum das passiert ist. In such clauses, warum functions as a conjunction of inquiry rather than a standalone question word.

Warum has several near-equivalents, including weshalb, wieso, and wofür. Weshalb and wieso can have slightly different nuances: weshalb is more formal or written, wieso is neutral and common in speech, while wofür asks about purpose rather than cause. These words are often interchangeable with warum, though choice may reflect tone or regional preference.

Etymologically, warum is part of the family of German interrogatives that trace back to older Germanic forms; its use is firmly established in modern German. It can also appear in fixed expressions and in rhetorical questions.

Examples: Warum bist du gestern nicht erschienen? Warum willst du das wissen? Ich verstehe nicht, warum er so reagiert hat. Ich frage mich, warum das passiert ist. Warum bleibt er zu Hause?