Meaning 1formal; literary · 82%
A formal preposition with the genitive that expresses purpose or consideration.
Natural examples
Um des Kindes willen blieben sie in der Stadt.
They stayed in the city for the child's sake.
Der Ruhe willen schaltete er das Telefon aus.
For the sake of quiet, he turned off the phone.
Um Gottes willen, pass auf die Stufe auf!
For heaven's sake, watch the step!
Usage note
Willen usually follows a genitive phrase, as in des Friedens willen. The fixed phrase um Gottes willen is especially common.
Mini-lesson: willen
A formal preposition with the genitive that expresses purpose or consideration. Willen usually follows a genitive phrase, as in des Friedens willen. The fixed phrase um Gottes willen is especially common.
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