verursachen
to cause
To be the cause or trigger of something, usually something negative such as damage, costs, or a problem.
EXAMPLE
Der unachtsame Fahrer hat einen schweren Unfall verursacht.
The careless driver caused a serious accident.
verursachen
to cause
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'verursachen' (to cause) contains the noun 'die Ursache' (the cause). So it literally means to be the cause of something.
EXAMPLE
Was ist die Ursache für den Stromausfall?
What is the cause of the power outage?
Negative meaning
'Verursachen' (to cause) is almost always used for negative events or results. You cause problems, costs, an accident, or pain, but not joy.
EXAMPLE
Starker Regen verursachte Überschwemmungen in der Stadt.
Heavy rain caused flooding in the city.
Sentence structure
The verb always needs a subject (the cause) and an accusative object (the result). The structure is: Who/what causes what?
EXAMPLE
Ein Kurzschluss hat den Brand verursacht.
A short circuit caused the fire.
Compare with
führensorgenproduzierenerzeugenbedingenbereitenauslösenzurückführenbewirkenanrichtenprovozierenhervorrufenstiftenherbeiführen
verursachen vs führen
to lead
Both verbs can link a cause to a negative consequence. „Verursachen“ presents something directly as the cause or trigger, while „führen zu“ describes the connection as a consequence that arises. Use „verursachen“ when responsibility is clearly the focus, and „führen zu“ when you want to emphasize the consequence.
verursachen
Die lange Trockenheit verursacht große Schäden in den Wäldern.
The prolonged drought is causing extensive damage in the forests.
führen
Die lange Trockenheit führt zu großen Schäden in den Wäldern.
The prolonged drought is leading to extensive damage in the forests.
In real life
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