main reason
der Hauptgrund, die Hauptgründe
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main reason
The most important cause or the decisive reason for an event, a decision, or a situation.
Der Hauptgrund für den Umzug war die neue Arbeitsstelle in einer anderen Stadt.
The main reason for the move was the new job in another city.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Hauptgründe |
| genitive | des Hauptgrundes |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Hauptgrund | die Hauptgründe |
| accusative | den Hauptgrund | die Hauptgründe |
| dative | dem Hauptgrund | den Hauptgründen |
| genitive | des Hauptgrundes des Hauptgrunds | der Hauptgründe |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Hauptgrund' is a compound noun made up of 'Haupt-' (main) and 'Grund' (reason). The prefix 'Haupt-' means 'most important' or 'central', so the main reason is the most important reason of all.
Es gab viele Probleme, aber der Hauptgrund für die Kündigung war das schlechte Gehalt.
There were many problems, but the main reason for the resignation was the poor salary.
The prefix 'Haupt-' is very useful because it can be combined with many nouns to indicate their most important or central version. Examples include 'Hauptstadt' (capital city), 'Hauptgang' (main course), or 'Hauptproblem' (main problem).
Das Hauptproblem bei dem Projekt ist der knappe Zeitplan.
The main problem with the project is the tight schedule.
'Hauptgrund' is often used in two patterns: either with the preposition 'für' (for) and a noun in the accusative, or followed by a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that) or 'warum' (why).
Der Hauptgrund für seine gute Laune war das schöne Wetter.
The main reason for his good mood was the beautiful weather.
Der Hauptgrund ist, dass ich morgen eine wichtige Prüfung habe.
The main reason is that I have an important exam tomorrow.
cause
Ursache refers to a reason or trigger without specifying its importance compared with other reasons. Hauptgrund, by contrast, explicitly names the most important reason. When there are several causes, Hauptgrund is suitable for the decisive one, while Ursache can refer to any of them.
Der Hauptgrund für die Überschwemmung war der außergewöhnlich starke Regen.
The main reason for the flooding was the exceptionally heavy rain.
Ein verstopfter Abfluss war eine Ursache für die Überschwemmung.
A clogged drain was one cause of the flooding.
