Breakdown of Der Stellplatz ist teuer, dafür können wir unsere Vorräte auffüllen.
sein
to be
wir
we
teuer
expensive
unser
our
können
can / to be able to
der Vorrat
the supply / the stock
dafür
in return / on the other hand (as a trade-off)
der Stellplatz
the pitch
auffüllen
to refill
Questions & Answers about Der Stellplatz ist teuer, dafür können wir unsere Vorräte auffüllen.
How does dafür work as a connector in this sentence?
In this context, dafür expresses compensation or a trade-off. It connects two independent clauses and translates best to but in return or on the other hand. It shows that the negative aspect of the first clause (the pitch being expensive) is balanced out by the positive aspect of the second clause (being able to refill supplies).
Why is the word order dafür können wir instead of dafür wir können?
The word dafür is an adverbial connector, not a pure coordinating conjunction like aber or und. When you put an adverb in the first position of a clause, the conjugated verb must immediately follow it in the second position. Therefore, the modal verb können comes right after dafür, pushing the subject wir to the third position.
Does dafür have to be at the very beginning of the second clause?
No, because it is an adverb, it is flexible and can move around the sentence. You could also say ... , wir können dafür unsere Vorräte auffüllen. Putting it at the very beginning of the clause, as in our sentence, just places more emphasis on the contrast and the trade-off.
What exactly is a Stellplatz?
While der Parkplatz is a general parking lot for cars, der Stellplatz usually refers to a specific pitch or designated spot for a motorhome, camper van, or caravan. This makes perfect sense in this context, as people traveling in campers often need to pay for a pitch where they get access to amenities to refill their supplies (Vorräte).
Why use the verb auffüllen instead of just füllen?
The verb füllen simply means to fill an empty container. The separable verb auffüllen specifically means to refill, replenish, or top up something that has been partially or fully depleted. Since the travelers are replenishing the things they used up on their trip, auffüllen is the most natural choice to pair with Vorräte (supplies).
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