Hallo zusammen! 👋
Some of you asked us this question: Can we use wegen with the dative case?
This blog will help you understand when and how to use wegen with the dative and genitive cases. 📚📝
Explanation:
Using wegen with the Dative Case:
Wegen means because of and is usually followed by the genitive case. However, in everyday speech, you’ll often hear it with the dative case too.
For example, you will hear people saying: Wegen dem schlechten Wetter bleiben wir zu Hause. Which is equivalent to Because of the bad weather, we’re staying home.
Here, wegen is followed by the dative case dem schlechten Wetter. 🚶♂️
Using wegen with the Genitive Case:
The more formal way to say the same sentence is: Wegen des schlechten Wetters bleiben wir zu Hause.
Here, wegen is followed by the genitive case des schlechten Wetters. 📖
In books and formal texts, wegen is followed by the genitive case, but it’s becoming acceptable to use the dative case with wegen in everyday speech.
Summary:
To distinguish between using wegen with the dative and genitive cases:
- Use the genitive case for formal writing and speech. 📚
- Use the dative case in everyday, informal speech. 🗣️
Extra Examples:
Here are some extra examples to help you practice:
- Wegen des Regens können wir nicht gehen. (Because of the rain, we can’t go.) 🌧️ – This is in the genitive case.
- Wegen dem Regen können wir nicht gehen. (Because of the rain, we can’t go.) 🌧️ – This is the same example in the dative case.
Let’s take another example:
- Wegen des Kindes sind wir glücklich. (Because of the child, we are happy.) 👶 – This is in the genitive case.
- Wegen dem Kind sind wir glücklich. (Because of the child, we are happy.) 👶 – This is the same example in the dative case.
And one more example:
- Wegen des Lärms konnte ich nicht schlafen. (Because of the noise, I couldn’t sleep.) 📢 – This is in the genitive case.
- Wegen dem Lärm konnte ich nicht schlafen. (Because of the noise, I couldn’t sleep.) 📢 – This is the same example in the dative case.
To reinforce what you’ve just read, check out our engaging video below! 🎥👇
