wofür

Wofür is a German interrogative word used to ask about the purpose, use, or function of something. It translates roughly as “for what” or “what for.” The form is a fused prepositional pronoun, combining the question concept with the preposition für, and it is written as one word. It can appear in main clauses, subordinate clauses, and, in a slightly different function, in relative clauses.

In everyday use, wofür asks about the intended use or justification of an object, action, or situation. Examples: Wofür brauchst du das Geld? (What do you need the money for?) Wofür ist dieses Werkzeug gedacht? (What is this tool intended for?) Wofür bist du heute hier? (What are you here for?) These questions typically attach to verbs such as brauchen, benutzen, dienen, or stehen in for a purpose.

Wofür can also introduce relative clauses, where it refers back to a purpose or function mentioned earlier. Example: Das ist der Grund, wofür er gekämpft hat. (That is the reason for which he fought.) This usage mirrors other relative pronouns and ties the clause to the idea of purpose.

Relation to similar terms: wofür is closely related to wozu, which also asks about purpose but with a nuance focused more on the aim or objective. Why questions use warum, while questions about use or function prefer wofür or wozu. For everyday speech, wofür is common and widely understood, whereas wozu tends to be slightly more formal or precise in asking about the intended end or objective.