pretext
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pretext
A reason that is only put forward in order to hide the true intention or the actual reason for an action.
Er kam unter dem Vorwand, sich ein Buch leihen zu wollen, aber eigentlich wollte er nur mit ihr reden.
He came under the pretext of wanting to borrow a book, but actually he just wanted to talk to her.
The word 'Vorwand' (pretext) is made up of 'vor' (in front of) and 'Wand' (wall). Figuratively, it describes a 'wall' that you put in front of the true intention in order to hide it. This image helps you understand the meaning of the word.
Seine Frage war nur ein Vorwand, um ein Gespräch anzufangen.
His question was just a pretext to start a conversation.
'Vorwand' (pretext) is almost always used with the preposition 'unter' (under). The fixed expression is 'unter dem Vorwand' (under the pretext). It is often followed by an infinitive construction with 'zu'.
Sie verließ die Party unter dem Vorwand, müde zu sein.
She left the party under the pretext of being tired.
Common verbs used with 'Vorwand' (pretext) are 'einen Vorwand suchen' (to look for a pretext), 'einen Vorwand finden' (to find a pretext), or to use something 'als Vorwand benutzen' (as a pretext).
Er suchte nach einem Vorwand, um sie anrufen zu können.
He looked for a pretext to be able to call her.
reason / ground
'der Grund' and 'der Vorwand' both have to do with a reason or justification for an action. The important difference is honesty. 'der Grund' names the real cause or a genuine reason. 'der Vorwand' is only a pretext: someone gives it so that the true intention or the real reason remains hidden. The words can be confused because a pretext can look like a reason. But a 'Vorwand' is not the actual reason.
Herr Hoffmann benutzt die Kopfschmerzen nur als Vorwand, weil er nicht zur Feier gehen möchte.
Mr. Hoffmann is only using the headache as a pretext because he does not want to go to the party.
In der Werkstatt fand der Mechaniker schnell den Grund für das laute Geräusch.
At the repair shop, the mechanic quickly found the reason for the loud noise.