Connectors of compensation and concession (dafür, dabei)

Trade-offs: dafür

To express that a disadvantage is balanced out by a specific benefit, use the adverbial connector dafür (in return / on the other hand).

Because dafür is an adverb, it takes the first position when starting a clause. The conjugated verb must immediately follow in the second position.

We bought a cheap campervan, but in return we have to insulate it well.
Wir haben einen billigen Camper gekauft, dafür müssen wir ihn gut isolieren.
The solar panels were expensive, but in return we are completely self-sufficient.
Die Solarzellen waren teuer, dafür sind wir komplett autark.
We have little space, but in return we have a lot of flexibility on the move.
Wir haben wenig Platz, dafür haben wir unterwegs viel Flexibilität.

Contradictions: dabei

To express a surprising contradiction—meaning "yet," "even though," or "despite that"—use the connector dabei.

Like dafür, dabei is an independent connector. When it starts a clause, the conjugated verb must immediately follow in the second position.

My campervan is very large, yet it has almost no storage space.
Mein Camper ist sehr groß, dabei hat er fast keinen Stauraum.
He is paying for an expensive pitch, even though he is completely self-sufficient!
Er bezahlt für einen teuren Stellplatz, dabei ist er komplett autark!
She is complaining about the kitchen sink, yet the water tank is completely empty!
Sie beschwert sich über das Spülbecken, dabei ist der Wassertank völlig leer!

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