verb
to cause, to bring about
B1
Verursachen: 'to cause' or 'to bring about' something. Regular weak verb using haben as auxiliary (Partizip: verursacht). Not reflexive and not separable. Common in formal registers about effects, damage or consequences (e.g., ein Problem verursachen). Neutral tone; often used for events, costs, or harm.
Examples
Der Sturm kann großen Schaden verursachen.
The storm can cause a lot of damage.
Der Unfall verursachte großen Schaden.
The accident caused major damage.
Der Sturm verursachte erhebliche Schäden, sodass die Straße für zwei Tage gesperrt blieb.
The storm caused significant damage, so the road remained closed for two days.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a domino labeled 'Ver' tipping the next piece labeled 'Ursache' (cause), starting a chain reaction — it causes the rest to fall.
Sounds a bit like 'very-saw-chen' — imagine 'very' strong force causing something.
Notes
Common collocation: 'Schaden verursachen' (to cause damage). Often used with abstract and concrete causes.