B2 Prepositions 18 min read Easy

Formal Reasons: aufgrund (Due to)

Use aufgrund + Genitive noun in formal writing to explain a reason (due to).
Mark as Learned
Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'aufgrund' to state a formal reason, followed by the genitive case.

  • Always use the genitive case after 'aufgrund'. Example: 'Aufgrund des {Wetter|n}s'.
  • It is strictly formal, perfect for business emails or academic writing.
  • It replaces 'wegen' when you want to sound more professional or precise.
Aufgrund + Genitive Noun = Formal Reason

Overview

Aufgrund is a formal German preposition, universally translated as "due to," "on the basis of," or "because of." It serves to introduce the cause or reason for a particular event, situation, or decision. At the B2 CEFR level, you'll encounter aufgrund frequently in professional communication, academic texts, official announcements, and legal documents. Its primary function is to lend a tone of objectivity and formality to causal explanations, setting it apart from more colloquial alternatives like wegen or weil.

Understanding aufgrund is crucial for constructing nuanced, authoritative arguments and comprehending complex German discourse.

From a linguistic perspective, aufgrund is derived from the phrase auf Grund (on the ground/basis), which still exists as an alternative spelling. This etymology highlights its core meaning: a reason that forms the fundamental basis or foundation for something else. When you use aufgrund, you are pinpointing a specific, often verifiable, factor as the decisive cause.

For instance, Aufgrund eines technischen Defekts wurde die Maschine stillgelegt. (Due to a technical defect, the machine was shut down.) clearly states the objective reason for the shutdown.

How This Grammar Works

Aufgrund operates as a preposition that strictly governs the genitive case. This means that any noun phrase immediately following aufgrund must be declined in the genitive. Prepositions in German establish a grammatical relationship between their object (the noun phrase) and another part of the sentence, and the case they demand dictates the form of the articles, nouns, and adjectives within that noun phrase.
The core mechanism is straightforward: aufgrund takes a noun or a noun phrase, which represents the reason or cause, and connects it to the main clause. Unlike conjunctions such as weil or da, aufgrund does not introduce a subordinate clause with a conjugated verb at the end. Instead, it functions as a single unit with its genitive object, providing a concise and elegant way to express causality.
Consider the sentence: Der Termin wurde aufgrund der kurzfristigen Absage verschoben. (The appointment was postponed due to the short-notice cancellation.) Here, aufgrund links the reason (die kurzfristige Absage, in genitive der kurzfristigen Absage) directly to the main event (Der Termin wurde verschoben). The formal nature of aufgrund implies that this is a factual, often official, explanation. The genitive case is non-negotiable in formal contexts, ensuring grammatical precision and upholding the sophisticated register associated with aufgrund.

Formation Pattern

1
Mastering aufgrund involves correctly applying the genitive case to the noun phrase that follows it. The fundamental pattern is aufgrund + Genitive Noun Phrase. This noun phrase consists of the article, any adjectives, and the noun itself, all in their respective genitive forms.
2
1. Genitive Articles:
3
To begin, you need to know the genitive forms of definite and indefinite articles. These are foundational:
4
| Gender | Nominative Definite Article | Genitive Definite Article | Nominative Indefinite Article | Genitive Indefinite Article |
5
| :-------- | :-------------------------- | :------------------------ | :---------------------------- | :-------------------------- |
6
| Masculine | der | des | ein | eines |
7
| Feminine | die | der | eine | einer |
8
| Neuter | das | des | ein | eines |
9
| Plural | die | der | no indefinite article | no indefinite article |
10
2. Genitive Noun Endings:
11
Nouns themselves often undergo changes in the genitive case, particularly masculine and neuter nouns in the singular:
12
Masculine and Neuter Nouns (Strong Declension): Most masculine and neuter nouns (especially those of one syllable or ending in non-sibilant sounds) add -s in the genitive singular. If the noun ends in -s, -ss, -ß, -x, -z, or a sibilant sound, it typically adds -es for better pronunciation. This -es ending is also common for multi-syllable neuter nouns and older masculine nouns.
13
Example: der Regen → aufgrund des(m) Regens (due to the rain)
14
Example: das Gesetz → aufgrund des(n) Gesetzes (due to the law)
15
Feminine Nouns: Feminine nouns generally do not add an ending in the genitive singular. Their article changes, but the noun itself remains the same.
16
Example: die Kündigung → aufgrund der Kündigung (due to the termination)
17
Plural Nouns: Plural nouns also do not change their ending in the genitive. Again, only the article (der) changes.
18
Example: die Vorschriften (plural) → aufgrund der Vorschriften (due to the regulations)
19
3. Adjective Endings in Genitive:
20
When adjectives precede the noun in the genitive phrase, they also adopt specific endings. This is a crucial aspect of German declension and follows the standard strong, mixed, and weak declension patterns.
21
After Definite Article (des, der): Adjectives take -en in all genders and numbers in the genitive case.
22
Example: aufgrund des(n) schlechten Wetters (due to the bad weather)
23
Example: aufgrund der plötzlichen Änderung (due to the sudden change)
24
After Indefinite Article (eines, einer) or Possessive Pronoun (meines, ihrer): Adjectives also take -en.
25
Example: aufgrund eines wichtigen Termins (due to an important appointment)
26
Without Article (Strong Declension): This is less common immediately after aufgrund but can occur. The adjective takes endings that reflect the gender and case more strongly (e.g., -en for masc/neuter, -er for fem).
27
Comprehensive Example Breakdown:
28
aufgrund des(n) plötzlichen Anstiegs der Preise (due to the sudden increase in prices)
29
aufgrund: the preposition.
30
des: genitive definite article for der Anstieg.
31
plötzlichen: adjective plötzlich (sudden) takes -en ending after des.
32
Anstiegs: masculine noun Anstieg (increase) takes -s in the genitive singular.
33
der Preise: genitive object for Anstieg, showing whose prices are increasing. (Note that Preise itself is plural, hence der for genitive plural, and the noun has no ending change).

When To Use It

Aufgrund is your go-to preposition when you need to convey a cause or reason in a formal, official, or objective context. Its very sound signals seriousness and precision. As a B2 learner, integrating aufgrund into your vocabulary elevates your German to a more sophisticated and professional level.
Here are the primary scenarios where aufgrund is most appropriate:
  • Official Reports and Documents: In business reports, legal documents, scientific papers, and administrative correspondence, aufgrund is standard. It provides clear, unambiguous causal links.
  • Aufgrund der aktuellen Datenlage muss die Prognose angepasst werden. (Due to the current data situation, the forecast must be adjusted.)
  • Academic Writing: When citing reasons or evidence in essays, theses, or research papers, aufgrund lends authority to your arguments.
  • Die Hypothese konnte aufgrund der vorliegenden Forschungsergebnisse bestätigt werden. (The hypothesis could be confirmed based on the available research results.)
  • Formal Announcements and Public Statements: News articles, press releases, public notices, and official company communications frequently employ aufgrund to explain events or decisions.
  • Aufgrund einer technischen Störung kommt es zu Zugverspätungen. (Due to a technical malfunction, there are train delays.)
  • Professional Correspondence: In formal emails or letters to colleagues, clients, or authorities, aufgrund is preferred when explaining circumstances or actions.
  • Wir bitten um Ihr Verständnis, dass die Bearbeitung Ihrer Anfrage aufgrund des(m) hohen Aufkommens länger dauern kann. (We ask for your understanding that processing your inquiry may take longer due to the high volume.)
  • Legal and Administrative Language: Court documents, contracts, and bureaucratic texts rely heavily on aufgrund to specify the legal basis or factual reasons for regulations and judgments.
  • Die Baugenehmigung wird aufgrund der Paragraphen 7 und 8 des Baugesetzes erteilt. (The building permit is granted based on paragraphs 7 and 8 of the building code.)
In essence, whenever you want to present a reason as a factual basis or a justification that stands up to scrutiny, aufgrund is the most fitting choice. It signals that the cause is verifiable and the explanation is formal.

When Not To Use It

While aufgrund is indispensable in formal contexts, its overuse or misuse in informal settings can make your speech or writing sound stiff, unnatural, and even pedantic. Understanding when to avoid aufgrund is as crucial as knowing when to use it.
Here are situations where aufgrund is generally inappropriate:
  • Casual Conversation: In everyday spoken German or informal chats, aufgrund sounds overly formal. Native speakers would almost always opt for wegen or weil in these contexts.
  • Avoid: Aufgrund des(m) schlechten Wetters gehe ich heute nicht raus. (Too formal for casual talk)
  • Prefer: Wegen des(m) schlechten Wetters gehe ich heute nicht raus. or Weil das Wetter schlecht ist, gehe ich heute nicht raus.
  • Informal Messages: Text messages, private emails, or social media posts are typically informal. Using aufgrund here would create an awkward disconnect with the tone.
  • Avoid: Kann morgen leider nicht kommen aufgrund einer Erkältung. (Sounds like an official absence notification)
  • Prefer: Kann morgen leider nicht kommen, weil ich erkältet bin. or Wegen einer Erkältung kann ich morgen leider nicht kommen.
  • Subjective Reasons or Personal Feelings: Aufgrund typically implies an objective, external reason. For personal feelings or subjective motivations, weil or da (as conjunctions) or wegen (as a preposition) are more suitable.
  • Avoid: Ich bin aufgrund meiner(f) Angst nicht gegangen. (While grammatically correct, it sounds overly analytical for a personal feeling.)
  • Prefer: Ich bin nicht gegangen, weil ich Angst hatte. or Ich bin wegen meiner(f) Angst nicht gegangen.
  • Redundancy with von: While aufgrund von is acceptable and common in certain cases (especially with plural nouns without articles or mass nouns), using von unnecessarily when a genitive article is present can sometimes sound slightly redundant or less precise, although this is a nuanced point and often a matter of stylistic preference.
  • Avoid (if a clearer genitive is possible): Aufgrund von(n) Problemen wurde die Sitzung verschoben. (Acceptable, but Aufgrund der Probleme might be preferred if the problems are specific and known.)
By reserving aufgrund for its intended formal use, you ensure your German sounds natural and appropriate for the given social and communicative context. Don't force formality where it doesn't belong.

Common Mistakes

Even at B2 level, aufgrund can be a source of common errors due to the intricacies of German case declension and the subtle distinctions between causal expressions. Awareness of these pitfalls will help you avoid them.
  • 1. Incorrect Case Usage (Dative instead of Genitive): This is by far the most prevalent error. Learners, especially those who frequently use wegen with the dative in informal speech, tend to mistakenly apply the dative case after aufgrund.
  • Incorrect: *Aufgrund dem(m) schlechten Wetter...
  • Correct: Aufgrund des(n) schlechten Wetters... (das Wetter is neuter, becomes des in genitive, and Wetter adds -s.)
  • Why it happens: The German dative case is often associated with prepositions that indicate location or cause (mit, nach, von, zu). Learners might incorrectly generalize this to aufgrund, especially as wegen colloquially often takes dative. However, aufgrund firmly belongs to the genitive prepositions.
  • 2. Missing Genitive Noun Endings for Masculine/Neuter Singular Nouns: While the article change is often remembered, the noun ending for masculine and neuter nouns in the singular genitive (-s or -es) is frequently omitted.
  • Incorrect: *Aufgrund des(m) Streik...
  • Correct: Aufgrund des(m) Streiks... (der Streik is masculine, becomes des in genitive, and Streik adds -s.)
  • Why it happens: Noun declension can be complex, and these endings are sometimes overlooked, particularly for words that don't change much in other cases. Remembering the pattern of -(e)s for singular masculine and neuter nouns is crucial.
  • 3. Using aufgrund with a Subordinate Clause: Aufgrund is a preposition and governs a noun phrase, not a full clause with a conjugated verb. Attempting to use it like a conjunction (weil, da) is a significant grammatical error.
  • Incorrect: *Aufgrund es(n) regnet, bleiben wir drinnen. (This literally means "Due to it rains...")
  • Correct (Prepositional): Aufgrund des(m) Regens bleiben wir drinnen. (Due to the rain...)
  • Correct (Conjunctional): Weil es(n) regnet, bleiben wir drinnen. (Because it rains...)
  • Why it happens: Learners might translate directly from English "because it rains," where "because" introduces a clause. In German, aufgrund requires a nominalization of the reason.
  • 4. Overuse in Informal Contexts: As discussed, using aufgrund in casual conversation or informal writing makes you sound stiff and unnatural, even if grammatically correct.
  • Incorrect (stylistically): Ich bin aufgrund meines(m) schlechten Gefühls nicht hingegangen.
  • Correct (stylistically): Ich bin nicht hingegangen, weil ich ein schlechtes Gefühl hatte. or Ich bin wegen meines(m) schlechten Gefühls nicht hingegangen.
  • Why it happens: Learners might want to demonstrate advanced vocabulary, but fail to grasp the register distinction.

Common Collocations

Aufgrund frequently appears with certain nouns and phrases, forming fixed expressions or common patterns. Learning these collocations will make your German sound more natural and fluent, especially in formal contexts. They often reflect recurring reasons or causes in professional and administrative language.
  • aufgrund der Tatsache, dass... (due to the fact that...)
  • This is a very common construction to introduce a full clause as the reason. While aufgrund itself doesn't take a clause directly, aufgrund der Tatsache acts as a bridge.
  • Example: Die Entscheidung wurde aufgrund der Tatsache getroffen, dass keine Alternative bestand. (The decision was made due to the fact that no alternative existed.)
  • aufgrund des(n) Vorfalls (due to the incident)
  • Frequently used in official reports or explanations of problematic events.
  • Example: Die Sicherheitsmaßnahmen wurden aufgrund des(n) Vorfalls verstärkt. (Security measures were strengthened due to the incident.)
  • aufgrund einer Analyse / einer Untersuchung (based on an analysis / an investigation)
  • Highlights that a decision or conclusion is grounded in systematic inquiry.
  • Example: Aufgrund einer umfassenden Analyse wurde der Plan geändert. (Based on a comprehensive analysis, the plan was changed.)
  • aufgrund der Ergebnisse (based on the results)
  • Common in scientific or project contexts to present findings.
  • Example: Aufgrund der ersten Ergebnisse können wir vorsichtig optimistisch sein. (Based on the initial results, we can be cautiously optimistic.)
  • aufgrund von(n) Gründen (for reasons / due to reasons)
  • This is a notable collocation where von often appears, especially when the plural noun (Gründen) is used without an article. While technically aufgrund can still govern genitive plural der Gründe, aufgrund von Gründen is very common and grammatically accepted, particularly when the reasons are indefinite or numerous.
  • Example: Die Veranstaltung wurde aufgrund von(n) unvorhergesehenen Gründen abgesagt. (The event was cancelled due to unforeseen reasons.)
  • aufgrund seiner(m) Erfahrung (due to his/her experience)
  • Often used to justify a person's expertise or decision-making.
  • Example: Aufgrund seiner(m) langjährigen Erfahrung konnte er das Problem schnell lösen. (Due to his many years of experience, he could solve the problem quickly.)
  • aufgrund der aktellen Situation / der Lage (due to the current situation)
  • A versatile phrase to refer to prevailing circumstances.
  • Example: Aufgrund der aktuellen Lage müssen wir flexibel bleiben. (Due to the current situation, we must remain flexible.)
These collocations demonstrate aufgrund's utility in connecting actions or states to their underlying formal rationale. Mastering them will enhance your professional German fluency.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

German offers various ways to express causality, and understanding the subtle differences between aufgrund and its counterparts is vital for precise communication at the B2 level. While they all convey a reason, their nuance, formality, and grammatical structure differ significantly.
1. aufgrund vs. wegen:
Both aufgrund and wegen mean "due to" or "because of" and both officially govern the genitive case. However, their contexts of usage diverge sharply.
| Feature | aufgrund | wegen |
| :------------- | :----------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------ |
| Formality | Highly formal, objective, official | Neutral to informal, common in all registers |
| Case | Strictly Genitive in formal writing | Officially Genitive; colloquially often Dative |
| Emphasis | Highlights the basis/foundation of the reason, often verifiable facts | General causation, less emphasis on the 'basis' |
| Usage Context | Reports, academic texts, legal documents, formal emails, public announcements | Everyday conversation, informal writing, general statements |
| Example | Aufgrund der Forschungsergebnisse wurde die Theorie verworfen. (Based on the research results, the theory was discarded.) | Wegen des(m) Regens bleiben wir drinnen. (Because of the rain, we stay inside.) |
  • Cultural Insight: The use of dative with wegen (wegen dem(m) Wetter instead of wegen des(n) Wetters) is very common in spoken German and increasingly in informal written German. While technically incorrect by purist standards, it's a reality of modern usage. However, aufgrund never accepts the dative in any context without sounding highly uneducated or clumsy. This distinction is paramount for B2 learners.
2. aufgrund vs. weil / da (Conjunctions):
Weil and da are subordinating conjunctions, meaning they introduce a subordinate clause with the conjugated verb placed at the end. This is a fundamental structural difference from aufgrund.
| Feature | aufgrund | weil / da (conjunctions) |
| :------------- | :----------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------- |
| Grammar | Preposition + Genitive Noun Phrase | Subordinating Conjunction + Subordinate Clause (verb at end) |
| Structure | aufgrund des(n) Regens... | ..., weil/da es(n) regnet. |
| Flexibility | Requires nominalization of the reason | Allows full verbal expression of the reason |
| Formality | Highly formal | weil: general; da: slightly more formal/literary (often used when the reason is already known) |
| Example | Aufgrund des(n) Schneefalls war die Straße gesperrt. (Due to the snowfall, the road was closed.) | Die Straße war gesperrt, weil es(n) geschneit hatte. (The road was closed because it had snowed.) |
3. aufgrund vs. infolge:
Infolge is another formal genitive preposition meaning "as a result of" or "consequently." While similar to aufgrund, it subtly shifts the emphasis.
| Feature | aufgrund | infolge |
| :------------- | :----------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------- |
| Meaning | "Due to," "on the basis of" | "As a result of," "consequently" |
| Emphasis | Focuses on the antecedent cause or justification for something | Focuses on the consequence or outcome of something |
| Usage Context | Explaining the reason why something is done or true | Explaining the effect or outcome of an event |
| Example | Aufgrund der Wirtschaftskrise stiegen die Preise. (Due to the economic crisis, prices rose.) - Crisis is the reason for rising prices. | Infolge der Wirtschaftskrise stiegen die Preise. (As a result of the economic crisis, prices rose.) - Rising prices are the consequence of the crisis. |
While the two can often be used interchangeably with little change in overall meaning, infolge often implies a more direct and sometimes unavoidable consequence, whereas aufgrund retains its sense of a fundamental basis.

Quick FAQ

  • Q: Can I use auf Grund as two separate words?
  • A: Yes, according to the German spelling reform (Rechtschreibreform), both aufgrund (one word) and auf Grund (two words) are permissible. The one-word spelling (aufgrund) is much more common in modern usage and generally preferred for its conciseness. Auf Grund tends to emphasize the literal meaning of "on the ground/basis" slightly more, but the functional meaning is identical. For consistency and modern style, stick to aufgrund.
  • Q: Is it ever acceptable to use Dative with aufgrund?
  • A: Absolutely not in any formal or grammatically correct context. While wegen might colloquially take the dative, aufgrund strictly requires the genitive case. Using dative with aufgrund would be considered a severe grammatical error and would sound uneducated to native speakers, particularly in the formal settings where aufgrund is used.
  • Q: Does aufgrund always imply a negative reason or outcome?
  • A: No, not at all. While often used for negative circumstances (aufgrund einer Störung, aufgrund der Verspätung), aufgrund can just as easily introduce positive reasons or outcomes. It's a neutral causal connector.
  • Example: Sie erhielt eine Beförderung aufgrund ihrer(f) hervorragenden Leistungen. (She received a promotion due to her outstanding performance.)
  • Example: Aufgrund des(n) Erfolgs des Projekts gab es eine Feier. (Due to the success of the project, there was a celebration.)
  • Q: Where should aufgrund typically be placed in a sentence?
  • A: Aufgrund often appears at the very beginning of a sentence, acting as a sentence adverbial that sets the stage for the main clause. When it starts the sentence, the finite verb of the main clause immediately follows the aufgrund-phrase (verb-second position).
  • Example: Aufgrund der starken Nachfrage wurde die Produktion erhöht. (Due to the strong demand, production was increased.)
  • It can also appear within the sentence, typically after the finite verb, especially in longer sentences or when the reason is an additional detail.
  • Example: Die Produktion wurde aufgrund der starken Nachfrage erhöht.
  • Q: Can I use aufgrund von? When is it appropriate?
  • A: Yes, aufgrund von is grammatically acceptable and very common, especially in certain situations:
  • With plural nouns without an article: Aufgrund von(n) Problemen musste die Sitzung verschoben werden. (Due to problems, the meeting had to be postponed.) Here, von steps in because there's no definite article der to indicate the genitive plural.
  • With uncountable nouns or proper nouns without an article: Aufgrund von(n) Wasserknappheit wurden Maßnahmen ergriffen. (Due to water scarcity, measures were taken.)
  • When the genitive article is grammatically possible but von is used for clarity or stylistic preference: While aufgrund der Probleme is strictly correct, aufgrund von(n) Problemen is also widely used and accepted, reflecting a slight shift in modern German towards using von with genitive prepositions in certain contexts, particularly in less formal but still professional language. For B2 learners, knowing that aufgrund von is an option and often heard is important, but prioritize mastering the pure genitive first.

Genitive Case Endings with 'Aufgrund'

Gender Article (Genitive) Noun Ending
Masculine
des
-es/-s
Feminine
der
-
Neuter
des
-es/-s
Plural
der
-n (if applicable)

Meanings

A formal preposition used to indicate the cause or reason for an event or state.

1

Causal Reason

Indicating the cause of something.

“Aufgrund des {Sturm|m}s blieb die {Schule|f} geschlossen.”

“Aufgrund der {Verspätung|f} verpasste er den {Zug|m}.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Formal Reasons: aufgrund (Due to)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Aufgrund + Genitive
Aufgrund des {Sturm|m}s.
Negative
Aufgrund + Genitive + nicht
Aufgrund der nicht vorhandenen {Zeit|f}.
Question
Aufgrund + Genitive + ...?
Aufgrund welcher {Grundlage|f}?
Variation
Aufgrund + Noun
Aufgrund des {Erfolg|m}s.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Aufgrund des {Wetter|n}s.

Aufgrund des {Wetter|n}s. (Weather report)

Neutral
Wegen des {Wetter|n}s.

Wegen des {Wetter|n}s. (Weather report)

Informal
Wegen dem {Wetter|n}.

Wegen dem {Wetter|n}. (Weather report)

Slang
Wegen dem {Wetter|n} halt.

Wegen dem {Wetter|n} halt. (Weather report)

Causal Prepositions Map

Causal

Formal

  • aufgrund due to

Neutral

  • wegen because of
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Aufgrund des {Regen|m}s.

Due to the rain.

2

Aufgrund der {Zeit|f}.

Due to the time.

3

Aufgrund des {Fehler|m}s.

Due to the error.

4

Aufgrund der {Arbeit|f}.

Due to the work.

1

Aufgrund des {Wetter|n}s bleiben wir zu Hause.

Due to the weather, we are staying home.

2

Aufgrund der {Verspätung|f} kommt er später.

Due to the delay, he is coming later.

3

Aufgrund des {Stau|m}s sind wir spät.

Due to the traffic, we are late.

4

Aufgrund der {Krankheit|f} fehlt sie heute.

Due to illness, she is absent today.

1

Aufgrund der hohen {Kosten|pl} haben wir das {Projekt|n} gestoppt.

Due to the high costs, we stopped the project.

2

Aufgrund des {Ergebnis|n}ses müssen wir neu planen.

Due to the result, we must replan.

3

Aufgrund der {Änderung|f} ist das {Dokument|n} ungültig.

Due to the change, the document is invalid.

4

Aufgrund des {Mangel|m}s an {Zeit|f} geht das nicht.

Due to the lack of time, that is not possible.

1

Aufgrund der vorliegenden {Beweis|m}e wurde der {Prozess|m} neu aufgerollt.

Due to the evidence at hand, the trial was reopened.

2

Aufgrund der {Entscheidung|f} des {Vorstand|m}s gibt es neue {Regel|f}n.

Due to the board's decision, there are new rules.

3

Aufgrund der {Komplexität|f} des {Thema|n}s ist eine {Diskussion|f} nötig.

Due to the complexity of the topic, a discussion is necessary.

4

Aufgrund der {Nachfrage|f} haben wir die {Produktion|f} erhöht.

Due to demand, we have increased production.

1

Aufgrund der {Diskrepanz|f} zwischen {Theorie|f} und {Praxis|f} ist eine {Revision|f} erforderlich.

Due to the discrepancy between theory and practice, a revision is required.

2

Aufgrund der {Vielschichtigkeit|f} der {Problematik|f} empfiehlt sich ein {Ansatz|m}.

Due to the complexity of the issue, an approach is recommended.

3

Aufgrund der {Interdependenz|f} der {Faktor|m}en ist eine {Analyse|f} komplex.

Due to the interdependence of the factors, an analysis is complex.

4

Aufgrund der {Dringlichkeit|f} des {Anliegen|n}s wurde sofort gehandelt.

Due to the urgency of the matter, action was taken immediately.

1

Aufgrund der {Konvergenz|f} verschiedener {Einfluss|m}faktoren ist das {Phänomen|n} schwer zu isolieren.

Due to the convergence of various influencing factors, the phenomenon is hard to isolate.

2

Aufgrund der {Implikation|f}en dieser {Entscheidung|f} sind weitreichende {Folge|f}n zu erwarten.

Due to the implications of this decision, far-reaching consequences are to be expected.

3

Aufgrund der {Evidenz|f}lage ist eine {Neubewertung|f} unumgänglich.

Due to the state of evidence, a re-evaluation is unavoidable.

4

Aufgrund der {Spezifität|f} des {Kontext|m}s ist eine {Verallgemeinerung|f} nicht zulässig.

Due to the specificity of the context, a generalization is not permissible.

Easily Confused

Formal Reasons: aufgrund (Due to) vs Wegen vs. Aufgrund

Both mean 'because of'.

Common Mistakes

✗

Aufgrund dem {Regen|m}.

✓

Aufgrund des {Regen|m}s.

Dative used instead of genitive.
✗

Aufgrund der {Wetter|n}.

✓

Aufgrund des {Wetter|n}s.

Wrong article for neuter genitive.
✗

Aufgrund das {Problem|n}.

✓

Aufgrund des {Problem|n}s.

Nominative/Accusative used instead of genitive.
✗

Aufgrund der {Entscheidung|f} von dem {Chef|m}.

✓

Aufgrund der {Entscheidung|f} des {Chef|m}s.

Using 'von' instead of genitive.

Sentence Patterns

Aufgrund ___ ist das nicht möglich.

Real World Usage

Business Email very common

Aufgrund Ihrer {Anfrage|f}...

Sign up free to see all examples
🎯

Genitive Check

If you aren't sure, use 'wegen' + Dative in speech, but 'aufgrund' + Genitive in writing.

Smart Tips

Use 'aufgrund' to sound professional.

Wegen des {Fehler|m}s... → Aufgrund des {Fehler|m}s...

Pronunciation

/ˈaʊ̯fˌɡʁʊnt/

Stress

Stress the first syllable: AUF-grund.

Formal statement

Aufgrund des {Wetter|n}s ↘

Falling intonation for a declarative statement.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Aufgrund is for the 'Grund' (reason) that is formal and sound.

Visual Association

Imagine a judge in a courtroom holding a gavel; the gavel represents the 'Genitive' case, and the judge only speaks in 'Aufgrund'.

Rhyme

Aufgrund ist fein, muss Genitiv sein.

Story

The CEO stood up. He didn't use 'wegen'. He said, 'Aufgrund des {Gewinn|m}s sind wir stolz.' Everyone nodded because he sounded so professional.

Word Web

GrundGenitivFormalBusinessUrsachewegen

Challenge

Write three sentences about your day using 'aufgrund' instead of 'weil' or 'wegen'.

Cultural Notes

Using 'aufgrund' shows you are educated and respect the hierarchy.

Compound of 'auf' and 'Grund'.

Conversation Starters

“

Aufgrund welcher {Grundlage|f} haben Sie das entschieden?

Journal Prompts

Write a formal complaint about a service using 'aufgrund'.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

Aufgrund ___ {Wetter|n}s bleiben wir hier.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: des
Genitive neuter.

Score: /1

Practice Exercises

1 exercises
Fill in the blank.

Aufgrund ___ {Wetter|n}s bleiben wir hier.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: des
Genitive neuter.

Score: /1

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Complete the official announcement. Fill in the Blank

Aufgrund ___ (a technical defect) verspätet sich der Zug.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: eines technischen Defekts
Select the correct preposition for this formal email. Multiple Choice

___ meiner Krankheit kann ich nicht kommen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Aufgrund
Fix the Genitive article. Error Correction

Aufgrund das Sturms fällt die Schule aus.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Aufgrund des Sturms fällt die Schule aus.
Match the phrase start to the correct logical ending. Match Pairs

Match the cause to the result.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["f\u00e4llt das Picknick aus.","muss ich heute lernen.","komme ich zu sp\u00e4t."]
Use the plural form. Fill in the Blank

Aufgrund vieler ___ (problems) wurde das Projekt gestoppt.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Probleme
Which sentence is too colloquial/wrong for standard German? Multiple Choice

Identify the incorrect grammar:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Aufgrund dem Wetter bleiben wir hier.
Fix the feminine Genitive. Error Correction

Aufgrund die Baustelle ist die Straße zu.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Aufgrund der Baustelle ist die Straße zu.
Translate 'Due to the delay'. Translation

Translate: Due to the delay (use 'Verspätung' fem.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Aufgrund der Verspätung
Genitive with adjectives. Fill in the Blank

Aufgrund ___ (bad) Wetters.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: schlechten
Formal vs Informal. Multiple Choice

Which is best for a formal letter to a company?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Aufgrund Ihrer Rechnung...
Fix the word order. Error Correction

Aufgrund des Regens wir bleiben zu Hause.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Aufgrund des Regens bleiben wir zu Hause.
Use the correct pronoun. Fill in the Blank

Aufgrund ___ (your - formal) Beschwerde.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ihrer

Score: /12

FAQ (1)

No, it is very rare. Use 'wegen' instead.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish high

debido a

Spanish doesn't have cases.

French high

en raison de

French uses prepositions, not cases.

German high

wegen

Register.

Japanese moderate

tame ni

Word order.

Arabic moderate

bisabab

Grammar structure.

Chinese moderate

youyu

No inflection.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
German Genitive Prepositions: Within and Outside (innerhalb/außerhalb)
Next
German Genitive Preposition: infolge (due to)

Learn These First

B2 Requires

Possessive Genitive: Showing Ownership (Genitiv)

Overview The German Genitive case serves a crucial grammatical function: to express possession, belonging, or a specific...

Related Grammar Rules

B2

Asking About Things: Prepositional Adverbs (wo(r) + Preposition)

Overview German prepositional adverbs formed with `wo(r)-` represent an essential syntactic tool for B2-level learners....
B2

German Genitive Preposition: infolge (due to)

Overview `Infolge` is a sophisticated German genitive preposition that translates to "due to," "as a result of," or "in...
B1

Deadlines with 'innerhalb' (Within/Inside)

Overview In German, precision in time is not just a cultural trait; it’s embedded in the grammar. The preposition `inne...
B2

German Pronominal Adverbs (da-compounds)

Overview Pronominaladverbien, commonly known as **`da-compounds`** in German, represent a crucial grammatical mechanism...
A1

For You! German Accusative Preposition (für)

Overview German prepositions serve as essential linguistic connectors, establishing relationships between various senten...
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!