Looking up...
Ursache
/ˈʔuːɐ̯ˌzaxə/
cause
Die Ursache des Unfalls war eine defekte Bremse.
The cause of the accident was a defective brake.
neutral
The reason or motive behind an event or action.
Die Ursache für seine Abwesenheit war eine Krankheit.
The reason for his absence was an illness.
Wir müssen die Ursache des Problems finden.
We need to find the cause of the problem.
Often used in scientific, technical, or analytical contexts to refer to the root of a phenomenon.
formal
A principle or basis for something.
Die Ursache der Freiheit ist ein zentrales Thema der Philosophie.
The principle of freedom is a central topic in philosophy.
Less common in everyday speech; more typical in abstract or philosophical discussions.
Collocations
die Ursache sein fürto be the cause ofeine Ursache habento have a causedie eigentliche Ursachethe actual cause
Pro Tip
Common Collocations with 'Ursache'
Remember that 'Ursache' often pairs with verbs like *finden* (to find), *klären* (to clarify), or *beseitigen* (to eliminate). For example: *Die Ursache des Fehlers wurde nicht gefunden* (The cause of the error was not found).
Gold Rule
Ursache vs. Grund vs. Anlass
'Ursache' refers to the direct cause of an event, while 'Grund' can mean a broader reason or motive. 'Anlass' implies a trigger or occasion rather than a fundamental cause. For example: *Der Grund für sein Handeln war Liebe, aber die Ursache war ein Missverständnis* (The reason for his action was love, but the cause was a misunderstanding).
Word Origin
From Middle High German *ursache*, from Old High German *ursahha*, from Proto-Germanic *uzsakaną* ("to seek out"), from *uz-* ("out") + *sakaną* ("to seek"). Cognate with Old English *orsceaft* ("origin").
Usage Notes
Ursache is a feminine noun (die Ursache, der Ursache, die Ursachen). It is commonly used in both everyday and formal contexts, often preceded by articles or possessive pronouns (z.B. *ihre Ursache*). In scientific or technical writing, it may be paired with terms like *untersuchen* (to investigate) or *identifizieren* (to identify).
Word Breakdown
Ur-
original/primitive
prefix-sache
thing/matter
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch