B2 Prepositions 18 min read Medium

German Pronominal Adverbs (da-compounds)

Use da(r) + Preposition to reference things and ideas, but use personal pronouns for people and animals.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'da-' + preposition to replace a prepositional phrase referring to a thing or idea, not a person.

  • Use 'da-' + preposition for things: 'Ich warte auf das {das|n} Auto' -> 'Ich warte darauf'.
  • If the preposition starts with a vowel, add an 'r': 'da' + 'auf' = 'darauf'.
  • Never use 'da-' for people: 'Ich warte auf ihn' (not 'darauf').
da(r) + [Preposition]

Overview

Pronominaladverbien, commonly known as da-compounds in German, represent a crucial grammatical mechanism for achieving linguistic efficiency and precision at the B2 level and beyond. These structures combine the particle da- (or its variant dar-) with a preposition, functioning as compact substitutes for prepositional phrases that refer to inanimate objects, abstract concepts, or entire clauses previously mentioned or about to be introduced.

The primary function of da-compounds is to avoid cumbersome repetition of noun phrases while maintaining grammatical cohesion and clarity. Instead of reiterating a full noun phrase like auf das Problem (on the problem), German succinctly employs darauf. This strategic economy of language is characteristic of German and essential for sounding natural and fluent in both written and spoken communication.

Mastery of da-compounds is a hallmark of advanced German proficiency, enabling you to construct complex sentences and engage in nuanced discussions. They are indispensable, particularly when dealing with verbs or adjectives that require fixed prepositions, ensuring that your sentences flow logically and adhere to native speaker patterns.

How This Grammar Works

At its core, a da-compound replaces a prepositional phrase (Präposition + Nomen/Pronomen) when the entity being referred to is not a person or an animal. Consider the statement Ich warte auf den Bus. (I am waiting for the bus.) If you need to refer to den Bus again in the same context without repeating the full phrase, you use darauf. The resulting sentence becomes Ich warte darauf. (I am waiting for it/that).
The da- component of the compound acts as a deictic pointer, indicating a previously established non-personal reference. This particle can be loosely translated as "it," "that," or "this," creating a clear anaphoric link. Simultaneously, the attached preposition (auf, mit, für, etc.) precisely conveys the specific relationship between the verb or adjective and the referred entity, preserving the original meaning of the prepositional phrase.
Beyond simple substitution, da-compounds frequently serve as Korrelate (placeholder pronouns). In this function, they anticipate and introduce a subsequent subordinate clause, typically a dass-clause, an ob-clause, or a zu-infinitive construction. For instance, in Ich bin davon überzeugt, dass er recht hat. (I am convinced of it, that he is right.), davon acts as a placeholder, making the main clause grammatically complete before the dass-clause provides the detailed content.
This advanced usage enhances sentence complexity and coherence.

Formation Pattern

1
The formation of da-compounds follows two distinct phonetic rules, ensuring ease of pronunciation and clarity. The choice between da- and dar- depends solely on the initial sound of the preposition.
2
The -r- Insertion Rule (for Vowel-Starting Prepositions):
3
If the preposition begins with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u) or the diphthong eu, an additional -r- is inserted between da- and the preposition. This creates dar- + preposition, preventing a vowel clash and facilitating smoother pronunciation.
4
da + r + an = daran (at it, on it)
5
da + r + auf = darauf (on it, for it)
6
da + r + über = darüber (about it, over it)
7
da + r + unter = darunter (under it, among them)
8
The Direct Prefix Rule (for Consonant-Starting Prepositions):
9
If the preposition begins with a consonant, da- is directly prefixed to the preposition. No additional letters are required.
10
da + bei = dabei (thereby, with it, at it)
11
da + durch = dadurch (thereby, through it)
12
da + für = dafür (for it, for that)
13
da + mit = damit (with it, thereby)
14
da + von = davon (of it, from it)
15
This systematic approach makes the formation predictable once you identify the initial sound of the preposition. Below is a table of common da-compounds:
16
| Preposition | da(r)-Compound | English Equivalent | Modern Context Example |
17
| :---------- | :--------------- | :------------------ | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
18
| an | daran | at it, on it | Ich denke oft an mein Studium. Ich denke gern daran zurück. (I often think of my studies. I like to think back on it.) |
19
| auf | darauf | on it, for it | Freust du dich auf das Konzert? Ja, ich freue mich sehr darauf! (Are you looking forward to the concert? Yes, I'm really looking forward to it!) |
20
| aus | daraus | out of it | Was resultiert daraus? (What results from that?) |
21
| bei | dabei | with it, at it | Das neue Feature ist nicht dabei. (The new feature is not included/present.) |
22
| durch | dadurch | thereby, through it | Dadurch entstand ein Missverständnis. (A misunderstanding arose because of it.) |
23
| für | dafür | for it | Wir brauchen eine Lösung. Was sind deine Argumente dafür? (We need a solution. What are your arguments for it?) |
24
| gegen | dagegen | against it | Ich habe grundsätzlich nichts dagegen. (I fundamentally have nothing against it.) |
25
| hinter | dahinter | behind it | Ich sehe den Sinn nicht. Was steckt dahinter? (I don't see the point. What's behind it?) |
26
| in | darin | in it | Der Erfolg liegt darin, dass wir zusammenarbeiten. (The success lies in the fact that we cooperate.) |
27
| mit | damit | with it, thereby | Ich kann mit dem Ergebnis leben. Bist du auch damit zufrieden? (I can live with the result. Are you also happy with it?) |
28
| nach | danach | after it | Erst die Arbeit, danach das Vergnügen. (First work, then pleasure.) |
29
| neben | daneben | next to it | Der Stift liegt nicht auf dem Tisch, sondern daneben. (The pen is not on the table, but next to it.) |
30
| über | darüber | about it, over it | Es gibt viel zu diskutieren. Lass uns darüber reden. (There's a lot to discuss. Let's talk about it.) |
31
| um | darum | about it, around it | Mir ist wichtig, dass wir das Thema klären. Darum geht es mir. (It's important to me that we clarify the topic. That's what it's about for me.) |
32
| unter | darunter | under it, among them | Unter den Dokumenten war ein alter Brief. Ich fand ihn darunter. (Among the documents was an old letter. I found it underneath them.) |
33
| von | davon | of it, from it | Viele Menschen träumen von einer Weltreise. Ich träume auch davon. (Many people dream of a world trip. I also dream of it.) |
34
| vor | davor | before it, in front of it | Ich fürchte mich vor der Prüfung. Ich habe Angst davor. (I'm afraid of the exam. I'm scared of it.) |
35
| zu | dazu | to it, for it | Hast du noch etwas zu sagen? Oder möchtest du noch etwas dazu fragen? (Do you have anything else to say? Or would you like to ask anything further about it?) |
36
| zwischen | dazwischen | between them | Es ist etwas Wichtiges dazwischen gekommen. (Something important came up/interfered.) |

When To Use It

da-compounds are deployed in specific grammatical contexts to streamline communication and maintain coherence, primarily when referring to non-personal entities.
  • Referring to Previously Mentioned Inanimate Objects or Concepts: This is the most fundamental application. Once an object, idea, or situation has been introduced, a da-compound efficiently refers back to it, avoiding redundancy. This is prevalent in both formal writing and casual conversation.
  • Wir haben ein neues Softwareprojekt gestartet. Das Team arbeitet intensiv daran. (We started a new software project. The team is working intensively on it.)
  • Die Finanzkrise war komplex. Viele Ökonomen debattieren noch heute darüber. (The financial crisis was complex. Many economists are still debating about it today.)
  • With Verbs and Adjectives Requiring Fixed Prepositions: A significant portion of German verbs and adjectives are inherently linked to particular prepositions. When the complement of such a preposition is an inanimate entity, a da-compound is the grammatical default. This is a crucial area for B2 learners to master.
  • sich freuen auf ({Akk.}: to look forward to): Ich freue mich auf das Wochenende. Ich freue mich schon sehr darauf. (I am looking forward to the weekend. I'm really looking forward to it.)
  • sich ärgern über ({Akk.}: to be annoyed about): Sie ärgert sich über den Stau. Sie ärgert sich maßlos darüber. (She's annoyed about the traffic jam. She's incredibly annoyed about it.)
  • denken an ({Akk.}: to think about): Ich denke an die Präsentation. Ich muss noch daran arbeiten. (I'm thinking about the presentation. I still need to work on it.)
  • interessiert sein an ({Dat.}: to be interested in): Er ist an moderner Kunst interessiert. Bist du auch daran interessiert? (He is interested in modern art. Are you also interested in it?)
  • As a Korrelat (Placeholder) for Subordinate Clauses: This advanced usage is vital for constructing grammatically sound and elegant complex sentences. A da-compound can stand in the main clause, anticipating and referring forward to a subsequent clause that provides the specific content. These typically include dass-clauses, ob-clauses, or zu-infinitive constructions.
  • Ich zweifle daran, dass diese Strategie funktionieren wird. (I doubt it, that this strategy will work.) (daran anticipates the dass-clause.)
  • Es kommt darauf an, ob wir die Frist einhalten können. (It depends on it, whether we can meet the deadline.) (darauf anticipates the ob-clause.)
  • Er hat Angst davor, Fehler zu machen. (He is afraid of it, to make mistakes.) (davor anticipates the zu-infinitive construction.)
  • Referring to an Action or Situation: A da-compound can refer to an entire preceding action, event, or general situation, encapsulating a broader concept.
  • Du solltest deine Aufgaben früher erledigen. Denk darüber nach! (You should complete your tasks earlier. Think about that!)
  • Sie hat die Prüfung ohne Vorbereitung bestanden. Ich gratuliere ihr dazu. (She passed the exam without preparation. I congratulate her on that.)

When Not To Use It

Understanding the limitations of da-compounds is as critical as knowing when to use them. Misapplication can lead to grammatical errors or, more significantly, convey an unintended, often dehumanizing, meaning.
  • For Animate Beings (People and Animals): This is the most fundamental and imperative rule. da-compounds are strictly reserved for inanimate objects, abstract concepts, or clauses. When referring to a person or an animal, you must use the appropriate personal pronoun in conjunction with the preposition.
  • Incorrect: Ich warte auf meinen Freund. Ich warte darauf. (This implies your friend is an object.)
  • Correct: Ich warte auf meinen Freund. Ich warte auf ihn. (I am waiting for him.)
  • Incorrect: Ich spreche mit meiner Professorin über das Thema. Ich spreche damit. (This means you speak with the topic.)
  • Correct: Ich spreche mit meiner Professorin über das Thema. Ich spreche mit ihr darüber. (I am speaking with her about it.)
If a group consists of people, even if the grammatical gender of the collective noun (die Gruppe) is feminine, when referring to the individuals within, personal pronouns are typically preferred, especially if the interaction is with them. However, when referring to the concept of the group, da-compounds can be used.
  • With Certain Prepositions: A small set of prepositions generally do not form da-compounds. These prepositions retain their independent status and require a separate noun or pronoun to complete their meaning.
  • ohne (without): Instead of *daohne, use ohne das or ohne es. (Er ging ohne Geld. Er ging ohne es. - He went without money. He went without it.)
  • bis (until, by): While bis dahin (until then) exists, *dabis does not. Restructure the sentence or use bis + Nomen/Pronomen. (Wir müssen bis morgen warten. Wir müssen bis dahin warten. - We have to wait until tomorrow. We have to wait until then.)
  • seit (since): *daseit is incorrect. Use seitdem (since then) for temporal reference, or seit + Nomen/Pronomen. (Seit der Konferenz hat sich viel geändert. - Much has changed since the conference.)
  • Other less common prepositions include entlang (along), gegenüber (opposite), and wider (against). For gegenüber, while dagegenüber exists, it is often considered clunky and a direct prepositional phrase (dem Vorschlag gegenüber) is usually preferred.
  • When da Functions as an Adverb of Place or Time: The word da has independent meanings as a local or temporal adverb, meaning "there" or "then." In these instances, it is not part of a da-compound and stands alone.
  • Der Schlüssel ist da. (The key is there.)
  • Als ich das hörte, da verstand ich alles. (When I heard that, then I understood everything.)
Context always clarifies whether da is a component of a pronominal adverb or an independent adverbial modifier.

Common Mistakes

Even at the B2 level, certain patterns of error with da-compounds persist. Recognizing and consciously avoiding these will significantly improve your accuracy and naturalness.
  • The Dehumanizing Error (People vs. Things): As highlighted, using a da-compound to refer to a person is the most significant error. It fundamentally miscategorizes an animate being as an inanimate object, which can sound offensive or simply absurd to a native speaker.
  • Error: Meine Mutter hat mir von ihrem Tag erzählt. Ich habe lange darüber gesprochen. (Meaning: I spoke at length about the day.) If you intended to say "I spoke with her about it," the personal reference is missing.
  • Correction: Meine Mutter hat mir von ihrem Tag erzählt. Ich habe lange mit ihr darüber gesprochen. (mit ihr refers to the mother, darüber refers to the topic of her day.)
  • Omitting the -r- for Vowel-Starting Prepositions: This phonetic error makes pronunciation awkward and immediately signals non-native speech. Always double-check that you are inserting the -r- when the preposition begins with a vowel (an, auf, aus, in, um, unter, über).
  • Error: Ich warte daauf. (Instead of darauf)
  • Error: Wir sprechen daüber. (Instead of darüber)
  • Correction: Ich warte darauf. / Wir sprechen darüber.
  • Confusion with wo(r)-compounds: Learners sometimes use da-compounds in questions. Remember that da-compounds are for statements or referring back, whereas wo(r)-compounds are their interrogative counterparts, used to ask "what...?" or "about what...?" regarding inanimate objects or concepts.
  • Error: Dafür ist das? (Incorrect question form)
  • Correction (Question): Wofür ist das? (What is that for?)
  • Correction (Answer): Das ist dafür. (That is for that.)
  • Over-reliance or Misuse in Redundant Contexts: While da-compounds promote efficiency, avoid using them if a simple demonstrative pronoun (dieses, jenes) or even a brief repetition of the noun is clearer or more natural in a particular context. The goal is clarity and fluency, not merely mechanical substitution.
  • Consider: Ich mag dieses Buch. Ich habe schon viel darüber gelesen. is more natural than Ich mag dieses Buch. Ich habe schon viel über dieses Buch gelesen. However, Ich mag dieses Buch. Es ist interessant. might be preferred over Ich mag dieses Buch. Ich bin daran interessiert., depending on the specific nuance.

Common Collocations

Integrating da-compounds seamlessly into your German requires familiarity with frequent pairings, especially with verbs and adjectives that take fixed prepositions. Mastering these collocations allows for more idiomatic and natural expression.
Verbs frequently used with da-compounds:
  • sich freuen auf/über ({Akk.}) – to look forward to / to be happy about
  • Ich freue mich auf den Urlaub. Ich freue mich schon darauf.
  • denken an ({Akk.}) – to think about
  • Denk an die Aufgabe. Ich muss noch daran arbeiten.
  • sprechen über ({Akk.}) – to talk about
  • Wir haben über die Neuigkeiten gesprochen. Wir haben lange darüber diskutiert.
  • warten auf ({Akk.}) – to wait for
  • Wartest du auf die Ergebnisse? Ja, ich warte sehnsüchtig darauf.
  • sich gewöhnen an ({Akk.}) – to get used to
  • Die neue Software ist kompliziert. Aber ich habe mich schon daran gewöhnt.
  • sich kümmern um ({Akk.}) – to take care of, to deal with
  • Das Problem ist dringend. Ich kümmere mich sofort darum.
  • sich verlassen auf ({Akk.}) – to rely on, to count on
  • Sein Wort ist verlässlich. Ich verlasse mich immer darauf.
  • bestehen auf ({Dat.}) – to insist on
  • Er besteht auf einer Entschuldigung. Er besteht darauf.
  • teilnehmen an ({Dat.}) – to participate in
  • Ich nehme an dem Seminar teil. Bist du auch dabei?
  • verzichten auf ({Akk.}) – to do without, to forego
  • Ich verzichte auf Zucker. Ich kann gut darauf verzichten.
Adjectives frequently used with da-compounds:
  • froh sein über ({Akk.}) – to be happy about
  • Ich bin froh über das Ergebnis. Ich bin wirklich froh darüber.
  • interessiert sein an ({Dat.}) – to be interested in
  • Bist du an diesem Thema interessiert? Ich bin sehr daran interessiert.
  • verantwortlich sein für ({Akk.}) – to be responsible for
  • Wer ist für den Schaden verantwortlich? Wer ist dafür verantwortlich?
  • überrascht sein von ({Dat.}) – to be surprised by
  • Ich bin von deiner Entscheidung überrascht. Ich bin sehr davon überrascht.
  • einverstanden sein mit ({Dat.}) – to agree with
  • Ich bin mit dem Vorschlag einverstanden. Ich bin völlig damit einverstanden.
Idiomatic expressions incorporating da-compounds:
  • Es kommt darauf an. (It depends/It matters.)
  • Was hältst du davon? (What do you think of it/that?)
  • Ich bin dabei! (I'm in! / I'm participating!)
  • Das ist alles, was ich dazu sagen kann. (That's all I can say about it.)
  • Darum geht es. (That's what it's about.)

Contrast With Similar Patterns

To ensure correct usage, it is essential to distinguish da-compounds from other superficially similar German grammatical structures.
  • Personal Pronouns with Prepositions (for animate beings):
The most critical distinction lies in the target of reference. da-compounds replace prepositional phrases for inanimate objects, abstract concepts, or clauses. Conversely, prepositional phrases with personal pronouns (e.g., mit ihm, auf sie, von ihnen) are exclusively used when referring to people or animals.
| Context | Referring to a Thing/Concept (Inanimate) | Referring to a Person/Animal (Animate) |
| :------------ | :--------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------- |
| mit (with) | damit | mit ihm ({m}/ihr/{f}/ihnen/{pl}) |
| auf (on/for) | darauf | auf ihn/{m}/sie/{f}/es/{n}/sie/{pl} |
| von (from/of) | davon | von ihm/{m}/ihr/{f}/ihnen/{pl} |
Example

Ich spreche mit dem Kollegen über das Problem. (I am speaking with the colleague about the problem.)

  • Referring to the colleague: Ich spreche mit ihm. (I am speaking with him.)
  • Referring to the problem: Ich spreche darüber. (I am speaking about it.)
  • wo(r)-compounds (for questions about inanimate beings):
wo(r)-compounds (wovon, worauf, womit, etc.) are the interrogative counterparts to da-compounds. They share the same formation rules (wo- or wor- + preposition) but are used to form questions about inanimate objects, concepts, or clauses. da-compounds are used in statements or as answers.
  • Question: Worauf wartest du? (What are you waiting for? - referring to an inanimate thing)
  • Answer: Ich warte auf den Zug. Ich warte darauf. (I am waiting for the train. I am waiting for it.)
  • Question: Worum geht es in dem Film? (What is the film about?)
  • Answer: Es geht darum, die Wahrheit herauszufinden. (It is about finding out the truth.)
  • da as an Adverb of Place or Time: The word da itself has distinct adverbial functions, meaning "there" (indicating location) or "then" (indicating time). In these cases, da acts as a standalone adverb and is not combined with a preposition to form a da-compound.
  • Der Bahnhof ist gleich da um die Ecke. (The station is right there around the corner.)
  • Zuerst habe ich gegessen, da bin ich ins Kino gegangen. (First I ate, then I went to the cinema.)
The crucial differentiating factor is the absence of a directly attached preposition, signifying its independent adverbial role.

Quick FAQ

  • Q: Can darüber refer to a meeting with people?

Yes, if you are discussing the topic of the meeting or the event of the meeting itself. For instance, Wir sprechen über die Ergebnisse des Meetings. Wir sprechen darüber. If you mean talking with the people at the meeting, you would use personal pronouns: Ich spreche mit den Teilnehmern über die Ergebnisse. Ich spreche mit ihnen darüber.

  • Q: Does damit always function as a da-compound? Doesn't it also mean "so that"?

Correct. damit is a versatile word with two primary functions. As a da-compound (prepositional adverb), it means "with it" or "thereby" (Ich arbeite mit dem Computer. Ich arbeite damit. - I work with the computer. I work with it.). As a subordinating conjunction, it means "so that" or "in order that" (Ich lerne Deutsch, damit ich in Deutschland studieren kann. - I am learning German so that I can study in Germany.). Context will always clarify which meaning is intended.

  • Q: If the object is an organization, company, or government, is it considered a "thing" or a "person" for da-compounds?

Generally, organizations, companies, governments, and similar collective entities are treated as inanimate concepts in this grammatical context. Therefore, da-compounds are appropriate. Example: Die Firma hat das neue Produkt entwickelt. Sie sind stolz darauf. (The company developed the new product. They are proud of it.)

  • Q: Are da-compounds more formal or informal?

da-compounds are a standard and integral part of the German language, used across all registers. You will encounter them in formal written documents, academic texts, casual conversations, and business communications. Their use is not indicative of a specific formality level but rather of grammatical correctness and fluency.

  • Q: Is there a simple rule to remember when to use da-compounds versus personal pronouns?

The most reliable rule of thumb is: "Does the entity in question possess conscious thought or a heartbeat?" If the answer is unequivocally yes (a person, a pet), use a preposition + personal pronoun. If the answer is no (an object, an idea, a situation, a clause, or a collective noun viewed as a concept), use a da-compound.

Da-Compound Formation

Preposition Da-Form Wo-Form
an
daran
woran
auf
darauf
worauf
mit
damit
womit
für
dafür
wofür
über
darüber
worüber

Meanings

Pronominal adverbs replace a prepositional phrase when the object is a non-human entity, making sentences more concise.

1

Referring to things

Replacing a noun object with a pronoun-like adverb.

“Ich warte darauf.”

“Er spricht davon.”

2

Referring to clauses

Replacing an entire subordinate clause.

“Ich verlasse mich darauf, dass du kommst.”

“Er ist stolz darauf, gewonnen zu haben.”

3

Interrogative form

Asking about a thing using 'wo(r)-'.

“Worauf wartest du?”

“Wovon sprichst du?”

Reference Table

Reference table for German Pronominal Adverbs (da-compounds)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
da + prep
Ich warte darauf.
Question
wo + prep
Worauf wartest du?
Negative
da + nicht + prep
Ich warte nicht darauf.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Ich sehe dem freudig entgegen.

Ich sehe dem freudig entgegen. (Social invitation)

Neutral
Ich freue mich darauf.

Ich freue mich darauf. (Social invitation)

Informal
Ich freu mich drauf.

Ich freu mich drauf. (Social invitation)

Slang
Freu mich!

Freu mich! (Social invitation)

Da-Compound Logic

da-

Prepositions

  • auf on/for
  • mit with
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Examples by Level

1

Ich warte darauf.

I am waiting for it.

1

Womit schreibst du?

What are you writing with?

1

Ich denke oft daran.

I often think about it.

1

Worauf freust du dich?

What are you looking forward to?

1

Er ist stolz darauf, es geschafft zu haben.

He is proud of having achieved it.

1

Wovon hängt das ab?

What does that depend on?

Easily Confused

German Pronominal Adverbs (da-compounds) vs Personal Pronouns vs Da-compounds

Learners use 'es' for everything.

Common Mistakes

✗

Ich warte auf ihn (for a car)

✓

Ich warte darauf

Don't use personal pronouns for things.
✗

daauf

✓

darauf

Missing the 'r' before a vowel.
✗

Woran denkst du? (about a person)

✓

An wen denkst du?

Use 'wo-' only for things.
✗

Ich warte auf das, was...

✓

Ich warte darauf, dass...

Use da-compounds for clauses.

Sentence Patterns

Ich freue mich ___.

Real World Usage

Email very common

Ich beziehe mich darauf.

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💡

Check the object

Is it a person? If yes, no da-compound!

Smart Tips

Use da-compounds to sound professional.

Ich antworte auf die E-Mail. → Ich antworte darauf.

Pronunciation

da-r-auf

Linking

The 'r' in 'darauf' is a soft, vocalized 'r'.

Question

Worauf ↗ wartest du?

Rising intonation for questions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Da is for the thing, Wo is for the question ring.

Visual Association

Imagine a 'da' box holding a 'thing'. If you ask a question, the 'wo' hook pulls the 'thing' out.

Rhyme

For things use da, for questions use wo, add the preposition and you're good to go.

Story

I bought a bike (das {das|n} Fahrrad). I wait for the bike (darauf). I ask about the bike (worauf).

Word Web

darandaraufdamitdafürdarüber

Challenge

Write 5 sentences about your day using da-compounds.

Cultural Notes

Germans value precision; da-compounds prevent ambiguity.

Derived from Old High German demonstrative pronouns.

Conversation Starters

“

Worauf freust du dich am Wochenende?

Journal Prompts

Describe a project you are working on.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

Ich warte ___ (on it).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: darauf
Correct da-compound.

Score: /1

Practice Exercises

1 exercises
Fill in the blank.

Ich warte ___ (on it).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: darauf
Correct da-compound.

Score: /1

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

Hast du dich schon ___ gewöhnt, früh aufzustehen?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: daran
Reorder the words to make a correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

darüber / wir / gesprochen / haben / gestern

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wir haben gestern darüber gesprochen.
Translate to German. Translation

I am looking forward to it.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich freue mich darauf.
Select the correct form. Multiple Choice

Glaubst du an Wunder? - Nein, ich glaube nicht ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: daran
Match the verb with its da(r)-compound. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: warten | darauf
Find the mistake. Error Correction

Ich habe keine Angst davon.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich habe keine Angst davor.
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

Er hat ___ aufgehört, zu rauchen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: damit
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

davon / träumst / du / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Träumst du davon?
Which one is right? Multiple Choice

Kannst du mir ___ helfen?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: dabei
Translate to German. Translation

I am working on it.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich arbeite daran.

Score: /10

FAQ (1)

No, never.

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In Other Languages

Spanish low

pronombres preposicionales

German uses a specific adverbial prefix.

French high

y / en

German compounds are more explicit.

Japanese low

sore ni / sore o

German merges the particle and pronoun.

Arabic low

dhalika

German morphology is unique.

Chinese low

dui ta

German is synthetic.

English moderate

thereof/thereon

German uses them daily.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
Asking About Things: Prepositional Adverbs (wo(r) + Preposition)

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B2 Builds On

Asking About Things: Prepositional Adverbs (wo(r) + Preposition)

Overview German prepositional adverbs formed with `wo(r)-` represent an essential syntactic tool for B2-level learners....
B2 Requires

German Verb-Preposition Pairs: What to use and when (Verben mit Präpositionen)

Overview German verb-preposition pairs, known as `Verben mit Präpositionen`, are fundamental structures for B2-level lea...

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