daarbij

The Dutch word 'daarbij' is a versatile adverb that can express several related meanings, primarily revolving around the concepts of 'in addition to that' or 'at the same time.' Its precise nuance often depends on the context in which it's used.

1. In addition to that / Furthermore / Besides:

This is perhaps the most common usage. 'Daarbij' can introduce an additional piece of information, a further argument, or something extra that is present or occurs alongside something else already mentioned. It acts as a connector, linking new information to previous statements.

• Example: “Het eten was heerlijk. Daarbij was de bediening ook uitstekend.” (The food was delicious. In addition to that, the service was also excellent.)

• Example: “Ze is erg intelligent en daarbij ook nog eens grappig.” (She is very intelligent and furthermore, she's also funny.)

2. At the same time / Simultaneously / Thereby:

'Daarbij' can also indicate that two actions or states happen concurrently or that one action leads to or is accompanied by another. In this sense, it highlights a simultaneous or consequential relationship.

• Example: “Hij las een boek en daarbij dronk hij een kopje thee.” (He read a book and at the same time, he drank a cup of tea.)

• Example: “Ze zong en daarbij danste ze enthousiast.” (She sang and thereby danced enthusiastically.)

3. In doing so / While doing that / With that:

This usage emphasizes the manner or consequence of an action, indicating what happens or what is involved when a particular action is performed. It often implies a connection between the main action and a secondary aspect.

• Example: “Hij opende de deur en daarbij zag hij zijn vriendin staan.” (He opened the door and in doing so, he saw his girlfriend standing there.)

• Example: “Ze hielp de oudere vrouw en daarbij voelde ze zich erg nuttig.” (She helped the elderly woman and in doing so, she felt very useful.)

4. In that regard / Regarding that:

Less common but still valid, 'daarbij' can sometimes refer back to a previously mentioned topic or situation, meaning 'in connection with that' or 'on that matter.'

• Example: “Er waren veel problemen, en daarbij had hij ook nog persoonlijke zorgen.” (There were many problems, and in that regard, he also had personal worries.)

• It always refers back to something previously mentioned in the sentence or conversation.

• It acts as a bridge, adding information, linking simultaneous events, or detailing consequences.

• Context is crucial for determining its exact meaning.

• It's a single word, unlike its English translations which often require multiple words.