Deswegen habe ich Ihnen gesagt, Sie sollen nicht den Wagen nehmen.

Sentence Discussions German
#1
Spanish Translation

Por eso le dije que no debería coger el coche.

Can Deswegen and Deshalb be used interchangeably? Is there any difference?

#2

I’d say yes to both questions. :sweat_smile:

Most people might be unaware of a difference or even say there is none, but I disagree. Even the dictionary translates both as “for this reason”, but I think there is a context-dependent nuance.

  • deswegen: relating to this, in connection with this
  • deshalb: for this reason, caused by this

“deshalb” emphasizes the cause and effect much more than “deswegen”, in my opinion.

Examples:

  • deswegen: “You are at this private party because of the delicious food.” → “Du magst das Essen. Deswegen bist du hier.” (You like the food. That’s why you’re here.)
  • deshalb: “You are only at this private party because I invited you.” → “Ich habe dich eingeladen. Deshalb bist du hier.” (I brought you with me as my guest to this private party. That’s why you’re here.)

The food is not the cause that triggered the series of events that led to the person being at the party. An object cannot do anything. My action of inviting you is the cause why you’re allowed to be at this private party. You agreed to come with me in hopes of good food, yes, but you can hope for good food all you want, if you’re not invited, you cannot come.

If you’re talking about cause and effect, prefer deshalb.

At least that’s how I use these two words deshalb and deswegen.

To summarize: In my opinion, there is a difference. In most people’s opinions, they can be used interchangeably. Therefore, yes to both your questions. The worst thing that happens if you mix up both words is that you annoy pedants like me. But most people wouldn’t even be aware.

I’m telling you all this, since you, as a language learner, show interest in how to use a language and I want to give you the knowledge to do it properly. Without this context, under different circumstances, I would’ve simply given you the short answer “They are identical, there is no difference.”

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#3

Thank you for the thoroughness of your explanation. :100:

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