When explaining local customs and etiquette to a visitor, you will often state a rule and then provide the reason behind it. In German, the explanatory particle nämlich is perfect for this job.
The Explanatory Particle: nämlich
The word nämlich provides background information or a delayed reason for a previous statement. It translates best to "you see" or "namely" in English.
It is especially useful when talking about host gifts or things that are üblich (usual/customary).
| the host gift | das Gastgeschenk |
| I am buying flowers. We need a host gift, you see. | Ich kaufe Blumen. Wir brauchen nämlich ein Gastgeschenk. |
| It is customary, you see, that one brings a host gift. | Es ist nämlich üblich, dass man ein Gastgeschenk mitbringt. |
Notice that nämlich does not connect two clauses together grammatically like a conjunction would. Instead, it lives entirely inside the second sentence—the one giving the explanation.
Word Order
Because nämlich is an adverbial particle, it rarely sits at the beginning of the sentence. It typically goes in the middle of the phrase, right after the conjugated verb and any short pronouns or adverbs (like es or hier).
| You are not allowed to keep your shoes on. It is impolite here, you see. | Du darfst die Schuhe nicht anbehalten. Es ist hier nämlich unhöflich. |
If you are explaining a cultural tradition, you might introduce it as a custom (die Sitte).
| the custom | die Sitte |
| It is an old custom in Germany, you see. | Es ist nämlich eine alte Sitte in Deutschland. |
| It is just customary. One always takes off the shoes, you see. | Es ist halt üblich. Man zieht nämlich immer die Schuhe aus. |
Using nämlich makes you sound like a helpful local letting someone in on an unspoken rule!
| We are bringing flowers. The host loves flowers, you see. | Wir bringen Blumen mit. Der Gastgeber liebt nämlich Blumen. |
| You must greet the host. It is namely the custom here. | Du musst den Gastgeber begrüßen. Es ist hier nämlich die Sitte. |