Ich schließe das Fenster, weil es draußen kalt ist.

I close the window because it is cold outside.

Breakdown of Ich schließe das Fenster, weil es draußen kalt ist.

• sein: to be
• draußen: outside
• ich: I
• das Fenster: the window
• weil: because
• es: it
• kalt: cold
• schließen: to close

Questions & Answers about Ich schließe das Fenster, weil es draußen kalt ist.

Why is the verb in the subordinate clause at the end?

German subordinate conjunctions like weil send the finite verb to the clause‑final spot. That’s why in weil es draußen kalt ist, the ist comes at the very end.

Why is there a comma before weil?

In German, subordinate clauses are always separated from the main clause by a comma. Since weil introduces a subordinate clause, you place a comma before it.

Why is das Fenster in the accusative case?

Fenster is the direct object of the verb schließen (“to close”). German marks direct objects with the accusative case. Because Fenster is a neuter noun, its accusative form is das Fenster.

Why don’t we use an article before draußen?

Draußen is an adverb meaning “outside” or “outdoors.” Adverbs describe manner, place, time, etc., and never take articles. They modify the verb rather than acting as nouns.

Why is es used in the clause weil es draußen kalt ist?

German requires an explicit subject in clauses. Here es is a dummy (impersonal) subject, referring to the general situation or weather—just like “it” in the English sentence “It’s cold.”

What’s the difference between weil and denn as “because”?

• Weil is a subordinating conjunction: it sends the verb to the end (verb‑final order).
• Denn is a coordinating conjunction: it keeps the verb in second position, as in main clauses.
  Example:
  Ich schließe das Fenster, weil es kalt ist.
  Ich schließe das Fenster, denn es ist kalt.

What’s the difference between schließen and zumachen?

Both mean “to close,” but:

• schließen is inseparable and more formal or written.
• zumachen is a separable‑prefix verb (e.g. ich mache das Fenster zu) and more common in everyday speech.

Why is schließen spelled with ß and not ss?

German spelling rules dictate using ß after long vowels or diphthongs. In schließen, the ie is a long vowel sound, so the correct consonant is ß rather than ss.

Can I start the sentence with the subordinate clause?

Yes. You can say:
Weil es draußen kalt ist, schließe ich das Fenster.
In that case, weil still sends ist to the end, and the main clause verb schließe remains in second position.

How do I know that Fenster is neuter?

Unfortunately, German noun genders must often be memorized. A helpful pattern is that many nouns ending in -er are neuter, but there are exceptions, so regular practice and consulting a dictionary will help.