Logical consequence (varför)

Logical Consequence with "varför"

You already know varför as the question word for "why." It can also be used as a relative adverb meaning "which is why" or "and therefore" to connect two clauses and explain a logical consequence.

The volcano is active, which is why the seismologist plans to evacuate.
Vulkanen är aktiv, varför seismologen planerar att evakuera.

Notice the structure: state the fact, add a comma, and follow up with varför + subject + verb. Unlike a main clause, the clause introduced by varför uses straight word order.

The seismologist is examining the crater, which is why he thinks that the magma is dangerous.
Seismologen undersöker kratern, varför han tror att magman är farlig.
The ash is thick, which is why the police want to evacuate the village.
Askan är tjock, varför polisen vill evakuera byn.
The quake was volcanic, which is why we must evacuate.
Skalvet var vulkaniskt, varför vi måste evakuera.

Introducing Contrasts with "dock"

While varför explains a logical consequence, dock (however) introduces an unexpected result or mitigating factor. Because dock acts as an adverb, placing it at the front of a clause triggers the V2 (verb-second) rule, forcing the verb to appear immediately before the subject.

The ash is dangerous, however the village is completely safe.
Askan är farlig, dock är byn helt säker.
We plan to evacuate the tourists, however the area is still dangerous.
Vi planerar att evakuera turisterna, dock är området fortfarande farligt.