B2 Prepositions 13 min read Medium

German Genitive Preposition: infolge (due to)

Use infolge + Genitive to professionally explain direct consequences in news, business, and formal settings.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'infolge' to express a cause or reason, followed strictly by the Genitive case.

  • Always use the Genitive case after 'infolge': Infolge {des|m} Sturms (Due to the storm).
  • It expresses a negative or neutral cause, often used in formal reports or news.
  • If the noun has no article, use the Genitive ending -s or -es: Infolge starken Regens.
infolge + Genitive Noun = Cause/Reason

Overview

Infolge is a sophisticated German genitive preposition that translates to "due to," "as a result of," or "in consequence of." This compound preposition is formed from in (in) and Folge (sequence/consequence), literally meaning "in a sequence" or "as a consequence." Unlike simpler causal connectors, infolge carries a distinctly formal and often objective tone, making it prevalent in official communications, academic texts, news reports, and formal correspondence.

Mastering infolge significantly elevates your German proficiency to a B2 level and beyond. It enables you to express causality with precision and authority, mirroring the language used by native speakers in professional or analytical contexts. You will frequently encounter it in public announcements, such as train delay notifications or corporate memos, signaling a clear and often unavoidable chain of events.

How This Grammar Works

Infolge functions as a causal preposition, establishing a direct link between a specific cause and its resulting effect. It introduces a noun phrase that denotes the reason for a particular outcome, streamlining complex causal statements into a concise grammatical unit. Instead of constructing a subordinate clause with weil (because) or da (since), infolge allows for a more compact and formal expression of causality.
This preposition unequivocally governs the genitive case. The grammatical case of the noun phrase following infolge must therefore reflect the genitive. This case requirement is crucial for maintaining grammatical correctness and conveying the intended formal tone.
The genitive case acts as a grammatical marker, indicating possession or, in this context, the source or origin of the consequence.
Consider the sentence: Infolge des starken Regens fiel der Strom aus. (Due to the heavy rain, the power failed.) Here, des starken Regens is in the genitive case, precisely attributing the power failure to the heavy rain. This construction is more succinct and formal than Weil es stark regnete, fiel der Strom aus. (Because it rained heavily, the power failed.), offering a stylistic advantage in appropriate contexts.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming phrases with infolge requires precise application of genitive case rules to the noun phrase that follows. The core components are the preposition infolge, the genitive article, and the noun itself, often accompanied by an adjective.
2
Start with infolge: This preposition initiates the causal phrase.
3
Determine the Genitive Article: The definite article changes according to the gender and number of the noun:
4
For masculine (der) and neuter (das) singular nouns, the article becomes des.
5
For feminine (die) singular nouns and all plural (die(pl)) nouns, the article becomes der.
6
Apply Genitive Noun Endings: This is a critical step, especially for masculine and neuter nouns:
7
Masculine and neuter singular nouns almost always receive an additional -s or -es ending in the genitive. The -es ending is typically used for single-syllable nouns or nouns ending in a sibilant sound (e.g., -s, -ss, -x, -z). For example, der Sturm becomes des Sturmes or des Sturms.
8
Feminine singular nouns and all plural nouns do not add an extra ending in the genitive case; they retain their nominative form. For example, die Krise remains der Krise.
9
Adjective Endings: If an adjective precedes the noun, it will always take the genitive ending -en after a definite article. This applies uniformly across all genders and numbers. For example, infolge des starken Regens (due to the heavy rain), or infolge der neuen Regelung (due to the new regulation).
10
Here’s a summary of the formation pattern:
11
| Gender/Number | Nominative Example | Genitive Article | Noun Ending | Adjective Ending (if present) | infolge Phrase Example |
12
| :------------ | :------------------------------- | :--------------- | :---------- | :---------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------- |
13
| Masculine | der Fehler (the error) | des | -s / -es | -en | infolge des Fehlers / infolge des technischen Fehlers |
14
| Neuter | das Problem (the problem) | des | -s / -es | -en | infolge des Problems / infolge des geringen Problems |
15
| Feminine | die Sperrung (the closure) | der | (none) | -en | infolge der Sperrung / infolge der kurzfristigen Sperrung |
16
| Plural | die(pl) Verzögerungen (delays)| der | (none) | -en | infolge der Verzögerungen / infolge der extremen Verzögerungen |
17
Example:
18
infolge des heftigen Unwetters (due to the severe storm) – Neuter noun, -es ending to Unwetter is optional but common, adjective gets -en.
19
infolge meiner Krankheit (due to my illness) – Feminine noun, no noun ending, possessive adjective meiner in genitive.
20
infolge der zahlreichen Absagen (due to the numerous cancellations) – Plural noun, no noun ending, adjective gets -en.
21
If the noun phrase lacks a definite or indefinite article, or any preceding adjective, the genitive case becomes grammatically invisible. In such specific circumstances, German grammar mandates the use of von plus the dative case to explicitly mark causality. For example, infolge von Bauarbeiten (due to construction work), rather than infolge Bauarbeiten which is incorrect. This construction is a key exception to the strict genitive rule.

When To Use It

Employ infolge primarily in contexts requiring formality, objectivity, and precision in stating causality. Its use signifies a direct, undeniable, and often unavoidable consequence, making it ideal for situations where you need to attribute responsibility or explain outcomes in an official capacity.
Official and Formal Communications:
  • Public Announcements: Infolge eines technischen Defekts ist der Zugverkehr eingestellt. (Due to a technical defect, train services are suspended.) This clearly communicates the reason for disruption.
  • News Reports: Infolge der globalen Erwärmung schmelzen die Gletscher schneller. (As a result of global warming, glaciers are melting faster.) Here, infolge underscores a factual, scientific link.
  • Academic and Scientific Texts: Die Studie zeigt, dass infolge der neuen Methode die Effizienz steigt. (The study shows that efficiency increases as a result of the new method.) It provides a precise and academic linkage.
  • Business and Legal Documents: Der Vertrag wurde infolge der Nichteinhaltung der Fristen gekündigt. (The contract was terminated due to non-compliance with deadlines.) This highlights a legal consequence.
Attributing Negative or Neutral Consequences:
Infolge typically introduces causes leading to neutral or negative effects. It rarely expresses positive outcomes, unless used ironically.
  • Infolge starker Schneefälle sind viele Straßen unpassierbar. (Due to heavy snowfall, many roads are impassable.) This describes a direct, negative impact.
  • Infolge der Inflation sind die Preise gestiegen. (As a result of inflation, prices have risen.) This notes an objective, often unwelcome, economic consequence.
Maintaining a Formal Register:
Using infolge in written correspondence—such as emails to university professors, official complaints, or job applications—demonstrates an advanced command of German. It conveys a professional and educated tone, strengthening the credibility of your statement.
  • Infolge des Vorfalls bitte ich um eine baldige Klärung. (Following the incident, I request a prompt clarification.) This is a polite yet firm formal request.

When Not To Use It

While infolge is a powerful tool for formal communication, its inappropriate use can sound overly stiff, unnatural, or even unintentionally sarcastic in casual settings. Understanding its limitations is as important as knowing when to deploy it.
Informal Conversations and Everyday Use:
  • Avoid infolge when speaking with friends, family, or in casual social media interactions. Its formality can create a linguistic distance that is unsuitable for such contexts. For example, saying Infolge des starken Regens bleibe ich zu Hause. (Due to the heavy rain, I'm staying home.) might sound stilted; a simpler Wegen des starken Regens bleibe ich zu Hause. (Because of the heavy rain...) is more natural.
Expressing Positive Outcomes:
  • Infolge is generally reserved for neutral or negative consequences. Using it to describe positive results can sound awkward or ironic. For example, you would not say Infolge meiner guten Vorbereitung habe ich die Prüfung bestanden. (Due to my good preparation, I passed the exam.) Instead, Dank meiner guten Vorbereitung habe ich die Prüfung bestanden. (Thanks to my good preparation...) is the correct choice, as dank specifically implies a positive cause.
Overly Simplistic Causes:
  • For very simple or obvious causes that do not require formal attribution, infolge can be unnecessarily verbose. If a simpler preposition like wegen (because of) conveys the meaning adequately in an informal context, opt for it.
Confusing infolge with in Folge:
  • Always write infolge as a single word. In Folge (two words) is an adverbial phrase meaning "in a row" or "consecutively." For example, Ich habe drei Tage in Folge gearbeitet. (I worked three days in a row.) Using in Folge when you mean infolge is a common mistake that changes the entire meaning.

Common Mistakes

Learning infolge involves navigating several common pitfalls, primarily related to case agreement and specific usage rules. Being aware of these will significantly improve your accuracy.
  1. 1Forgetting Genitive Noun Endings for Masculine/Neuter Nouns: This is arguably the most frequent error. Learners often correctly change the article to des but neglect to add the -s or -es to the noun itself. For instance, stating infolge des Sturm instead of the correct infolge des Sturms is a clear indicator of a B1-level error. Always double-check masculine and neuter singular nouns for their required genitive ending.
  1. 1Using Dative Instead of Genitive: While some native speakers occasionally use wegen with the dative in very informal spoken German (e.g., wegen dem Regen instead of wegen des Regens), this leniency does not extend to infolge. Infolge strictly demands the genitive case in all formal and written contexts. Misapplying the dative case (e.g., infolge dem Regen) is always incorrect and marks a significant grammatical error.
  1. 1Incorrect Application of von + Dative: The von + dative construction with infolge is a specific exception, not a general alternative. It is only used when the noun phrase following infolge has no article (definite or indefinite) and no preceding adjective. For example, infolge von Bauarbeiten (due to construction work) is correct because Bauarbeiten stands alone without an article or adjective. However, infolge von dem Regen (instead of infolge des Regens) is incorrect because the definite article dem is present.
  1. 1Confusing infolge with in Folge: As mentioned, infolge (one word) is a preposition meaning "due to." In Folge (two words) is an adverbial phrase meaning "in a row" or "consecutively." Substituting one for the other leads to semantic confusion. Always verify the intended meaning to choose the correct spelling.
  1. 1Placement of infolge: Infolge is a preposition, meaning it must precede the noun phrase it governs. It cannot follow the noun. Der Regen infolge... is grammatically incorrect; it must be Infolge des Regens...

Common Collocations

Certain nouns and noun phrases frequently appear with infolge, making them useful to learn as ready-made expressions. These collocations reflect typical scenarios where formal attribution of cause is necessary.
  • infolge der Bauarbeiten (due to the construction work)
  • infolge des Unwetters (due to the storm)
  • infolge eines technischen Defekts (due to a technical defect)
  • infolge der Pandemie (due to the pandemic)
  • infolge der wirtschaftlichen Krise (due to the economic crisis)
  • infolge von Wartungsarbeiten (due to maintenance work – note von due to lack of article/adjective for Wartungsarbeiten)
  • infolge des erhöhten Verkehrsaufkommens (due to the increased traffic volume)
  • infolge der Änderung der Vorschriften (due to the change in regulations)
  • infolge eines Systemfehlers (due to a system error)
  • infolge der gestiegenen Nachfrage (due to the increased demand)
Integrating these collocations into your vocabulary helps you sound more natural and proficient, especially in formal writing. They represent common, real-world applications of infolge in German communication.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

German offers several ways to express causality, and distinguishing infolge from its closest relatives is crucial for precise communication.
| Feature | infolge | aufgrund | wegen | dank |
| :---------------- | :------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------- |
| Meaning | Due to, as a result of, in consequence of | Due to, on the basis of, because of | Because of, on account of | Thanks to, owing to |
| Formality | Highly formal, objective | Highly formal, slightly less than infolge | Informal to formal (versatile) | Formal to informal, but always positive |
| Connotation | Direct, often unavoidable consequence (neutral/negative) | Foundational reason/basis (neutral/negative) | General cause (neutral/negative, sometimes positive informally) | Positive cause/outcome |
| Case | Genitive (strictly) | Genitive (strictly) | Genitive (formal), Dative (informal spoken) | Genitive (formal), Dative (informal spoken) |
| von + Dative| Yes, if no article/adj | Yes, if no article/adj | Yes, common informally if no article/adj | Less common, usually takes genitive if possible |
| Example | Infolge des Unwetters... | Aufgrund einer Studie... | Wegen des Regens... | Dank Ihrer Hilfe... |
infolge vs. aufgrund: These two prepositions are often interchangeable in formal contexts, both demanding the genitive. However, a subtle distinction exists: infolge tends to emphasize the direct aftermath or chain of events, a logical consequence.
Aufgrund (literally "on ground of") often points to the foundational reason, justification, or basis for something. For instance, infolge des Fehlers highlights the error as the direct trigger for a consequence, while aufgrund des Fehlers might imply the error was the reason for a decision or action. This distinction is often subtle and context-dependent.
infolge vs. wegen: Wegen is the most common causal preposition in German and is far more versatile. While it also governs the genitive case in formal writing (wegen des Regens), it frequently appears with the dative in casual spoken German (wegen dem Regen).
Infolge is consistently more formal and specific to a direct, usually significant, consequence. You would use wegen for everyday reasons (Ich kann wegen Kopfschmerzen nicht kommen.) but infolge for official explanations (Infolge der Bauarbeiten bleibt die Straße gesperrt.).
infolge vs. dank: This contrast is crucial. Dank (thanks to) is exclusively used for causes leading to positive or beneficial outcomes, and also governs the genitive.
To use infolge for a positive result would sound sarcastic or grammatically incorrect (Infolge Ihrer Hilfe konnte ich es schaffen. is incorrect, use Dank Ihrer Hilfe...). Always align the preposition's tone with the emotional valence of the consequence.

Quick FAQ

  • Q: Can I use infolge in spoken German?
  • A: You can, but it will sound highly formal, almost as if you are reading from a prepared statement or news report. For everyday conversations, wegen is the standard choice.
  • Q: Is the genitive case always required after infolge?
  • A: Yes, absolutely. Infolge is a strict genitive preposition. The only exception is when the noun phrase has no article or adjective, in which case you must use von + dative (e.g., infolge von Bauarbeiten).
  • Q: Is it written as one word or two (infolge vs. in Folge)?
  • A: It is always one word: infolge. In Folge (two words) has a different meaning, roughly "in a row" or "consecutively." Do not confuse them.
  • Q: Can infolge be placed at the end of a sentence or after the noun?
  • A: No. Infolge is a preposition, meaning it must precede the noun phrase it governs. It can be at the beginning of the sentence (e.g., Infolge des Regens blieb er zu Hause.) or within the sentence (e.g., Er blieb infolge des Regens zu Hause.), but never after the noun.
  • Q: What if I have multiple adjectives modifying the noun after infolge?
  • A: All adjectives preceding the noun will take the strong genitive ending -en after a definite genitive article. For example, infolge des plötzlichen, heftigen Unwetters (due to the sudden, severe storm).
  • Q: Is infolge suitable for B2 or C1 exams?
  • A: Highly recommended. Its correct usage demonstrates an advanced understanding of German grammar, particularly the genitive case and formal register, which examiners look for.

Genitive Declension with Infolge

Gender Article (Genitive) Noun Ending Example
Masculine
des
-s/-es
des Sturms
Feminine
der
-
der Arbeit
Neuter
des
-s/-es
des Wetters
Plural
der
-
der Kosten

Meanings

Used to indicate the cause or reason for an event, typically in formal or written contexts.

1

Causal

Indicating the reason for an occurrence.

“Infolge {der|f} Krankheit konnte er nicht kommen.”

“Infolge {des|n} schlechten Wetters wurde das Spiel abgesagt.”

Reference Table

Reference table for German Genitive Preposition: infolge (due to)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Infolge + Genitive
Infolge des Regens.
Negative
Infolge + Genitive + nicht
Infolge des Regens nicht möglich.
Question
Infolge + Genitive + Verb?
Infolge des Sturms abgesagt?
No Article
Infolge + Genitive Noun
Infolge starken Windes.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Infolge des Sturms.

Infolge des Sturms. (Weather report)

Neutral
Wegen des Sturms.

Wegen des Sturms. (Weather report)

Informal
Wegen dem Sturm.

Wegen dem Sturm. (Weather report)

Slang
Wegen dem Sturm.

Wegen dem Sturm. (Weather report)

Infolge Concept Map

Infolge

Usage

  • Formal Formal
  • Causal Causal

Examples by Level

1

Infolge {des|m} Regens.

Due to the rain.

2

Infolge {der|f} Arbeit.

Due to work.

3

Infolge {des|n} Staus.

Due to the traffic jam.

4

Infolge {der|pl} Ferien.

Due to the holidays.

1

Infolge {des|m} Unfalls ist die Straße gesperrt.

Due to the accident, the road is closed.

2

Infolge {der|f} Hitze bleiben wir zu Hause.

Due to the heat, we are staying home.

3

Infolge {des|n} Fehlers geht es nicht.

Due to the error, it doesn't work.

4

Infolge {der|pl} Kosten sparen wir.

Due to the costs, we are saving.

1

Infolge {des|m} starken Windes stürzte der Baum um.

Due to the strong wind, the tree fell over.

2

Infolge {der|f} hohen Nachfrage ist das Produkt ausverkauft.

Due to high demand, the product is sold out.

3

Infolge {des|n} technischen Defekts wurde der Flug storniert.

Due to a technical defect, the flight was cancelled.

4

Infolge {der|pl} neuen Regeln müssen wir warten.

Due to the new rules, we have to wait.

1

Infolge {des|m} massiven Personalmangels musste die Filiale schließen.

Due to massive staff shortages, the branch had to close.

2

Infolge {der|f} anhaltenden Trockenheit herrscht Wasserknappheit.

Due to the persistent drought, there is a water shortage.

3

Infolge {des|n} unerwarteten Ereignisses wurde der Termin verschoben.

Due to the unexpected event, the appointment was postponed.

4

Infolge {der|pl} strengen Auflagen ist das Projekt gescheitert.

Due to strict requirements, the project failed.

1

Infolge {des|m} drastischen Rückgangs der Investitionen steht das Unternehmen vor dem Aus.

Due to the drastic decline in investments, the company is facing ruin.

2

Infolge {der|f} komplexen Rechtslage konnte keine Einigung erzielt werden.

Due to the complex legal situation, no agreement could be reached.

3

Infolge {des|n} vorzeitigen Abbruchs der Verhandlungen kam es zu Spannungen.

Due to the premature termination of negotiations, tensions arose.

4

Infolge {der|pl} klimatischen Veränderungen wandern viele Arten ab.

Due to climatic changes, many species are migrating.

1

Infolge {des|m} unvorhersehbaren Zusammenbruchs der Lieferkette geriet die gesamte Produktion ins Stocken.

Due to the unpredictable collapse of the supply chain, the entire production stalled.

2

Infolge {der|f} tiefgreifenden sozioökonomischen Umwälzungen veränderte sich das Wahlverhalten.

Due to profound socio-economic upheavals, voting behavior changed.

3

Infolge {des|n} langwierigen bürokratischen Prozesses verzögerte sich die Genehmigung.

Due to the lengthy bureaucratic process, the approval was delayed.

4

Infolge {der|pl} globalen Instabilitäten sind die Märkte volatil.

Due to global instabilities, the markets are volatile.

Easily Confused

German Genitive Preposition: infolge (due to) vs Wegen vs Infolge

Wegen is common/informal, Infolge is formal.

Common Mistakes

Infolge dem Regen

Infolge des Regens

Infolge requires Genitive, not Dative.

Infolge der Regen

Infolge des Regens

Wrong article case.

Infolge wegen des Regens

Infolge des Regens

Double preposition usage.

Infolge des Regens sein

Infolge des Regens

Adding unnecessary verbs.

Sentence Patterns

Infolge ___ ist ___ passiert.

Real World Usage

News report very common

Infolge des Streiks...

Business email common

Infolge der Anfrage...

💡

Formal Writing

Use infolge to sound like a native professional.

Smart Tips

Use infolge instead of wegen.

Wegen des Sturms... Infolge des Sturms...

Pronunciation

/ˈɪnfɔlə/

Stress

Stress the first syllable: IN-folge.

Causal statement

Infolge des Sturms ↘

Falling intonation at the end of the causal phrase.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Infolge is a 'Genitive Giant'—it demands the Genitive case every time.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant (Genitive) holding a sign that says 'Infolge'. Whenever you see 'Infolge', the giant appears to ensure the noun is in the Genitive case.

Rhyme

Infolge, don't be late, always use the Genitive case.

Story

The CEO was late. 'Infolge des Staus', he said. His assistant corrected him: 'Infolge des Staus, sir, not dem Stau.' The CEO nodded, knowing the Genitive was the key to his promotion.

Word Web

wegenaufgrundGenitivPräpositionformalGrundUrsache

Challenge

Write three sentences about why you are late for work using 'infolge' and the Genitive case.

Cultural Notes

Used in formal emails to explain delays.

Comes from 'in' and 'Folge' (sequence/consequence).

Conversation Starters

Warum kamst du zu spät?

Journal Prompts

Describe a recent problem at work.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Fill in the correct Genitive article.

Infolge ___ Sturms.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: des
Masculine Genitive is des.

Score: /1

Practice Exercises

1 exercises
Fill in the correct Genitive article.

Infolge ___ Sturms.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: des
Masculine Genitive is des.

Score: /1

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition to express a negative consequence. Fill in the Blank

___ des Unfalls war die Autobahn gesperrt.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Infolge
Fix the mistake in this sentence. Error Correction

Infolge starkem Regen bleiben wir hier.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Infolge von starkem Regen bleiben wir hier.
Reorder the words to form a correct sentence starting with the cause. Sentence Reorder

Put the words in order:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Infolge des Updates haben wir Probleme.
Select the correct German translation. Translation

Due to the error, the application crashed.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Infolge des Fehlers stürzte die Anwendung ab.
Select the correct form for plural nouns. Multiple Choice

Which phrase is correct for {die|pl} Proteste?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: infolge der Proteste
Identify the correctly formed pair. Match Pairs

Which of these shows the correct Nominative -> Genitive transformation?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {das|n} Problem -> infolge des Problems
Complete the sentence appropriately. Fill in the Blank

Wir mussten das Spiel ___ des schlechten Wetters absagen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: infolge
Translate the phrase: 'As a result of the high demand' Translation

{die|f} hohe Nachfrage (high demand)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: infolge der hohen Nachfrage
Reorder the words to form a correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

Put the words in order:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Infolge des Sturms fiel der Strom aus.
Fix the adjective ending mistake. Error Correction

Infolge des starkes Windes fiel der Baum um.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Infolge des starken Windes fiel der Baum um.
Which sentence uses the 'von + Dative' workaround correctly? Multiple Choice

Select the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Infolge von schweren Fehlern musste das System neu starten.
Identify the correct Genitive construction. Match Pairs

Match the noun {der|m} Streik to its correct infolge-phrase.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {der|m} Streik -> infolge des Streiks

Score: /12

FAQ (1)

No, it is strictly Genitive.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Debido a

Spanish doesn't have a case system like German.

French high

En raison de

French uses prepositions, not cases.

German high

Infolge

Case-based.

Japanese moderate

~のために

Postpositional.

Arabic moderate

بسبب

No case declension for this.

Chinese moderate

由于

No case system.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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