Perché is a conjunction that can have two functions in Italian grammar:
un valore causale: this corresponds to the English, because, and is followed by the indicative
Voglio dormire perché sono stanco.
I want to sleep because I am tired
Un valore causale indicates a cause or a reason, as in the example above -- I want to sleep for the very reason that I am tired.
un valore finale: this corresponds to the English, so that, and is followed by the subjunctive
Vado a casa perché possa domire.
I'm going home so that I can sleep.
Un valore finale expresses an aim, goal or a purpose -- I am going home with the express goal of sleeping.
In writing,
affinché is often used to replace
perché in order to avoid any ambiguity between the
valore causale and the
valore finale. There are several other common conjunctions (congiunzioni) that require the subjunctive - you can learn more about them
here.
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