German Genitive Preposition: infolge (due to)
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.
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.infolge must therefore reflect the genitive. This case requirement is crucial for maintaining grammatical correctness and conveying the intended formal tone.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
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.
infolge: This preposition initiates the causal phrase.
des.
der.
-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.
die Krise remains der Krise.
-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).
infolge Phrase Example |
der Fehler (the error) | des | -s / -es | -en | infolge des Fehlers / infolge des technischen Fehlers |
das Problem (the problem) | des | -s / -es | -en | infolge des Problems / infolge des geringen Problems |
die Sperrung (the closure) | der | (none) | -en | infolge der Sperrung / infolge der kurzfristigen Sperrung |
die Verzögerungen (delays)| der | (none) | -en | infolge der Verzögerungen / infolge der extremen Verzögerungen |
infolge des heftigen Unwetters (due to the severe storm) – Neuter noun, -es ending to Unwetter is optional but common, adjective gets -en.
infolge meiner Krankheit (due to my illness) – Feminine noun, no noun ending, possessive adjective meiner in genitive.
infolge der zahlreichen Absagen (due to the numerous cancellations) – Plural noun, no noun ending, adjective gets -en.
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
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.- 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,infolgeunderscores 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.
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.
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
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.- Avoid
infolgewhen 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, sayingInfolge des starken Regens bleibe ich zu Hause.(Due to the heavy rain, I'm staying home.) might sound stilted; a simplerWegen des starken Regens bleibe ich zu Hause.(Because of the heavy rain...) is more natural.
Infolgeis generally reserved for neutral or negative consequences. Using it to describe positive results can sound awkward or ironic. For example, you would not sayInfolge 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, asdankspecifically implies a positive cause.
- For very simple or obvious causes that do not require formal attribution,
infolgecan be unnecessarily verbose. If a simpler preposition likewegen(because of) conveys the meaning adequately in an informal context, opt for it.
infolge with in Folge:- Always write
infolgeas 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.) Usingin Folgewhen you meaninfolgeis a common mistake that changes the entire meaning.
Common Mistakes
infolge involves navigating several common pitfalls, primarily related to case agreement and specific usage rules. Being aware of these will significantly improve your accuracy.- 1Forgetting Genitive Noun Endings for Masculine/Neuter Nouns: This is arguably the most frequent error. Learners often correctly change the article to
desbut neglect to add the-sor-esto the noun itself. For instance, statinginfolge des Sturminstead of the correctinfolge des Sturmsis a clear indicator of a B1-level error. Always double-check masculine and neuter singular nouns for their required genitive ending.
- 1Using Dative Instead of Genitive: While some native speakers occasionally use
wegenwith the dative in very informal spoken German (e.g.,wegen dem Regeninstead ofwegen des Regens), this leniency does not extend toinfolge.Infolgestrictly 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.
- 1Incorrect Application of
von+ Dative: Thevon+ dative construction withinfolgeis a specific exception, not a general alternative. It is only used when the noun phrase followinginfolgehas no article (definite or indefinite) and no preceding adjective. For example,infolge von Bauarbeiten(due to construction work) is correct becauseBauarbeitenstands alone without an article or adjective. However,infolge von dem Regen(instead ofinfolge des Regens) is incorrect because the definite articledemis present.
- 1Confusing
infolgewithin 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.
- 1Placement of
infolge:Infolgeis a preposition, meaning it must precede the noun phrase it governs. It cannot follow the noun.Der Regen infolge...is grammatically incorrect; it must beInfolge des Regens...
Common Collocations
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 – notevondue to lack of article/adjective forWartungsarbeiten)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)
infolge in German communication.Contrast With Similar Patterns
infolge from its closest relatives is crucial for precise communication.infolge | aufgrund | wegen | dank |infolge | Informal to formal (versatile) | Formal to informal, but always positive |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 |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.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
infolgein 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,
wegenis the standard choice.
- Q: Is the genitive case always required after
infolge? - A: Yes, absolutely.
Infolgeis a strict genitive preposition. The only exception is when the noun phrase has no article or adjective, in which case you must usevon+ dative (e.g.,infolge von Bauarbeiten).
- Q: Is it written as one word or two (
infolgevs.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
infolgebe placed at the end of a sentence or after the noun? - A: No.
Infolgeis 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
-enafter a definite genitive article. For example,infolge des plötzlichen, heftigen Unwetters(due to the sudden, severe storm).
- Q: Is
infolgesuitable 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.
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
| 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
Infolge des Sturms. (Weather report)
Wegen des Sturms. (Weather report)
Wegen dem Sturm. (Weather report)
Wegen dem Sturm. (Weather report)
Infolge Concept Map
Usage
- Formal Formal
- Causal Causal
Examples by Level
Infolge {des|m} Regens.
Due to the rain.
Infolge {der|f} Arbeit.
Due to work.
Infolge {des|n} Staus.
Due to the traffic jam.
Infolge {der|pl} Ferien.
Due to the holidays.
Infolge {des|m} Unfalls ist die Straße gesperrt.
Due to the accident, the road is closed.
Infolge {der|f} Hitze bleiben wir zu Hause.
Due to the heat, we are staying home.
Infolge {des|n} Fehlers geht es nicht.
Due to the error, it doesn't work.
Infolge {der|pl} Kosten sparen wir.
Due to the costs, we are saving.
Infolge {des|m} starken Windes stürzte der Baum um.
Due to the strong wind, the tree fell over.
Infolge {der|f} hohen Nachfrage ist das Produkt ausverkauft.
Due to high demand, the product is sold out.
Infolge {des|n} technischen Defekts wurde der Flug storniert.
Due to a technical defect, the flight was cancelled.
Infolge {der|pl} neuen Regeln müssen wir warten.
Due to the new rules, we have to wait.
Infolge {des|m} massiven Personalmangels musste die Filiale schließen.
Due to massive staff shortages, the branch had to close.
Infolge {der|f} anhaltenden Trockenheit herrscht Wasserknappheit.
Due to the persistent drought, there is a water shortage.
Infolge {des|n} unerwarteten Ereignisses wurde der Termin verschoben.
Due to the unexpected event, the appointment was postponed.
Infolge {der|pl} strengen Auflagen ist das Projekt gescheitert.
Due to strict requirements, the project failed.
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.
Infolge {der|f} komplexen Rechtslage konnte keine Einigung erzielt werden.
Due to the complex legal situation, no agreement could be reached.
Infolge {des|n} vorzeitigen Abbruchs der Verhandlungen kam es zu Spannungen.
Due to the premature termination of negotiations, tensions arose.
Infolge {der|pl} klimatischen Veränderungen wandern viele Arten ab.
Due to climatic changes, many species are migrating.
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.
Infolge {der|f} tiefgreifenden sozioökonomischen Umwälzungen veränderte sich das Wahlverhalten.
Due to profound socio-economic upheavals, voting behavior changed.
Infolge {des|n} langwierigen bürokratischen Prozesses verzögerte sich die Genehmigung.
Due to the lengthy bureaucratic process, the approval was delayed.
Infolge {der|pl} globalen Instabilitäten sind die Märkte volatil.
Due to global instabilities, the markets are volatile.
Easily Confused
Wegen is common/informal, Infolge is formal.
Common Mistakes
Infolge dem Regen
Infolge des Regens
Infolge der Regen
Infolge des Regens
Infolge wegen des Regens
Infolge des Regens
Infolge des Regens sein
Infolge des Regens
Sentence Patterns
Infolge ___ ist ___ passiert.
Real World Usage
Infolge des Streiks...
Infolge der Anfrage...
Formal Writing
Smart Tips
Use infolge instead of wegen.
Pronunciation
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
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
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Infolge ___ Sturms.
Score: /1
Practice Exercises
1 exercisesInfolge ___ Sturms.
Score: /1
Practice Bank
12 exercises___ des Unfalls war die Autobahn gesperrt.
Infolge starkem Regen bleiben wir hier.
Put the words in order:
Due to the error, the application crashed.
Which phrase is correct for {die|pl} Proteste?
Which of these shows the correct Nominative -> Genitive transformation?
Wir mussten das Spiel ___ des schlechten Wetters absagen.
{die|f} hohe Nachfrage (high demand)
Put the words in order:
Infolge des starkes Windes fiel der Baum um.
Select the correct sentence:
Match the noun {der|m} Streik to its correct infolge-phrase.
Score: /12
FAQ (1)
No, it is strictly Genitive.
Scaffolded Practice
1
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Debido a
Spanish doesn't have a case system like German.
En raison de
French uses prepositions, not cases.
Infolge
Case-based.
~のために
Postpositional.
بسبب
No case declension for this.
由于
No case system.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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