01
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
verursachen vs machen
to do / make
'machen' and 'verursachen' can both express that something has an effect. 'machen' is very general and often used in everyday speech, for example with feelings: 'Das macht mich müde' (That makes me tired). 'verursachen' is more precise and names the cause of something. It is especially often used for problems, damage, costs, or illnesses. 'machen' can sound neutral or casual, while 'verursachen' sounds more factual and often more negative. When it is about a clear cause of a problem, 'verursachen' is usually more precise.
verursachen
Der starke Regen verursacht auf der Straße lange Staus.
The heavy rain is causing long traffic jams on the road.
machen
Der lange Schultag macht Mila heute sehr müde.
The long school day is making Mila very tired today.
In real life
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