wieso
why
Used as a question word to ask about the reason or cause of something. Synonymous with 'warum' (why).
EXAMPLE
Wieso hast du mich nicht angerufen?
Why didn't you call me?
wieso
why
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Meanings
wieso
why
Used as a conjunction to introduce a subordinate clause that expresses an indirect question about a reason.
EXAMPLE
Sie konnte mir nicht erklären, wieso sie ihre Meinung geändert hatte.
She couldn't explain to me why she had changed her mind.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Wieso' is a compound of the words 'wie' (how) and 'so' (so). You can therefore think of it as the question 'In what way so?' or 'How did it come to be like this?', which explains the meaning 'warum' (why).
EXAMPLE
Wieso ist der Himmel blau?
Why is the sky blue?
Word order
Word order depends on the function. In a direct question with 'wieso' (why), the verb is in position 2. In a subordinate clause introduced by 'wieso', the verb comes at the end.
EXAMPLE
Wieso kommst du zu spät?
Why are you late?
Nuance: surprise
Compared with other question words for the reason, 'wieso' often expresses particular surprise or even doubt on the part of the speaker. You use it when you really did not expect something.
EXAMPLE
Wieso denn das? Ich dachte, wir wären uns einig.
Why that? I thought we agreed.
Compare with
wieso vs warum
why
Warum and wieso both ask about the reason for an action or event. Warum usually sounds neutral, whereas wieso often conveys surprise or doubt. In a factual question, warum is therefore more suitable; wieso is particularly natural when asking in surprise.
wieso
Wieso fährt der Bus heute schon wieder eine andere Strecke?
Why is the bus taking a different route again today?
warum
Warum fährt der Bus heute eine andere Strecke?
Why is the bus taking a different route today?
In real life
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