Referring to things with prepositions: da- compounds
In English, when you refer back to an inanimate object or idea after a preposition, you use phrases like "with it" or "for it." In German, you cannot use regular pronouns for objects in this way. Instead, you combine da- with the preposition.
If the preposition begins with a consonant, simply attach it directly to da-:
- da
- mit = damit (with it)
- da
- für = dafür (for it)
| Yes, you can repair the window with it. | Ja, du kannst das Fenster damit reparieren. |
| I am building a table. I need a hammer and a nail for it. | Ich baue einen Tisch. Ich brauche einen Hammer und einen Nagel dafür. |
| We are painting the house and need paint for it. | Wir streichen das Haus und brauchen Farbe dafür. |
Adding an -r- for vowels
Just like with the wo- question words, if the preposition begins with a vowel, you must insert an -r- between them to make the word easier to pronounce:
- da
- r
- über = darüber (about it / over it)
- r
- da
- r
- auf = darauf (on it)
- r
| The project is important. We often speak about it. | Das Projekt ist wichtig. Wir sprechen oft darüber. |
| Do not be annoyed about it, because the tool is new! | Ärgere dich nicht darüber, weil das Werkzeug neu ist! |
These compounds are incredibly common when giving instructions, referring to tools you are using, or telling someone where to put something:
| Lay the wood on the table and put the hammer on it! | Leg das Holz auf den Tisch und leg den Hammer darauf! |
| The chair is broken. Do not sit on it! | Der Stuhl ist kaputt. Setz dich nicht darauf! |
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