Breakdown of Das Büro ist sehr laut und stressig, weswegen ich lieber zu Hause arbeite.
ich
I
sein
to be
und
and
arbeiten
to work
sehr
very
das Büro
the office
lieber
rather / preferably
laut
loud, loudly
zu Hause
at home
der
who, which, that (relative pronoun; die, das)
stressig
stressful
weswegen
which is why
Questions & Answers about Das Büro ist sehr laut und stressig, weswegen ich lieber zu Hause arbeite.
What exactly does weswegen refer to in this sentence?
It refers to the entire preceding main clause (Das Büro ist sehr laut und stressig) rather than a single noun. It translates to "which is why" or "for which reason" and connects the cause to the effect.
Could I use weshalb instead of weswegen here?
Yes, absolutely. weswegen and weshalb are interchangeable when used as relative connectors referring to a whole clause. Both mean "which is why."
Why is the verb arbeite at the very end of the sentence?
Because weswegen introduces a relative subordinate clause. Just like other relative pronouns or subordinating words (such as weil or dass), it kicks the conjugated verb (arbeite) to the end of its clause.
Why use lieber to mean "prefer"? Isn't there a specific verb for that?
While German has verbs like bevorzugen (to prefer), it is much more natural to use the adverb lieber when talking about preferring an action. lieber is the comparative form of gern (gladly). So ich arbeite lieber literally means "I work more gladly," which is the standard way German speakers express preferring to do something.
Just as a refresher, why are we using zu Hause instead of nach Hause here?
zu Hause is a fixed phrase used for a stationary location, meaning "at home." You would use nach Hause if there were movement toward your home, like "going home." Since the speaker is already located at their house while working, zu Hause is the correct choice.
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