die Ursache
Translation
cause, reason, origin
Examples
Was ist die Ursache des Problems?
What is the cause of the problem?
Die Ursache für den Unfall ist unklar.
The cause of the accident is unclear.
Grammar Patterns
the cause of ((sth.)) die Ursache von+3 That is the cause of the whole problem.
the cause for ((sth.)) die Ursache für+4 The cause for the fire is still unknown.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Grund, Anlass; Antonyms: Wirkung, Folge
Etymology
'Ur-' is a prefix meaning 'original' or 'primary'. 'Sache' means 'thing' or 'matter'. So, it's the 'original matter'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'Ur-' as 'original' (like in 'Urwald' - primeval forest). So, 'Ursache' is the 'original thing' that started it all.