um ... willen
for the sake of
For a particular reason or in the interest of a person or thing; for the benefit of or because of.
EXAMPLE
Um des Friedens willen sollten wir diesen Streit beenden.
For the sake of peace, we should end this argument.
willen
for the sake of
willen + genitive
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Meanings
Usage tips
Fixed construction
'Willen' (for the sake of) almost always occurs in the fixed construction 'um ... willen' (for the sake of ...). The word it refers to normally appears in the genitive between 'um' and 'willen'; 'willen' comes after this word.
EXAMPLE
Um des Kindes willen blieb sie ruhig.
For the child's sake, she remained calm.
Um ihrer Gesundheit willen arbeitet sie weniger.
For the sake of her health, she is working less.
Typical collocations
Common expressions include 'um des Friedens willen' (for the sake of peace), 'um Gottes willen' (for God's sake), and 'um Himmels willen' (for heaven's sake). 'Um des Friedens willen' expresses a reason or an interest; 'um Gottes willen' and 'um Himmels willen' are usually used as exclamations.
EXAMPLE
Um Gottes willen, was ist denn hier passiert?
For God's sake, what happened here?
Um Himmels willen, pass auf die Stufe auf!
For heaven's sake, watch out for the step!
Formal style
The construction with 'willen' often sounds elevated, literary, or emphatic. It is especially common in fixed expressions, public appeals, and solemn statements.
EXAMPLE
Um der Sicherheit willen müssen alle Regeln eingehalten werden.
For the sake of safety, everyone must follow the rules.
In real life
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