nämlich
because
Gives a reason or explanation for something; similar to „denn“ (because) or „weil“ (because).
EXAMPLE
Ich kann heute nicht kommen, ich bin nämlich krank.
I can't come today; I'm sick.
nämlich
because / namely
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Meanings
nämlich
namely
Introduces a more precise explanation or specification; similar to „und zwar“ (namely) or „genauer gesagt“ (more precisely).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat zwei Geschwister, nämlich einen Bruder und eine Schwester.
She has two siblings, namely a brother and a sister.
Usage tips
Sentence position
„Nämlich“ (because / namely) is an adverb and does not introduce a subordinate clause. In a main clause, the finite verb remains in second position; „nämlich“ frequently appears in the middle field, often after the subject or the finite verb.
EXAMPLE
Die Prüfung war nämlich schwieriger als erwartet.
The exam was more difficult than expected, you see.
Er hat nämlich schon einen anderen Termin.
He already has another appointment, you see.
Sentence giving a reason
When giving a reason, „nämlich“ (because) often appears in a second main clause and explains a statement from the preceding sentence. This second sentence can be separated by a comma or a period.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen den Spaziergang verschieben. Es regnet nämlich seit Stunden.
We have to postpone the walk. It has been raining for hours, you see.
Precise specification
When providing a more precise specification, „nämlich“ (namely) comes directly before the information that explains or lists something in greater detail. It is often followed by a noun phrase that gives more specific information about a word mentioned earlier.
EXAMPLE
Nur ein Getränk ist im Preis enthalten, nämlich ein Glas Wasser.
Only one drink is included in the price, namely a glass of water.
In real life
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