da

Based on: *te-, *to-
Goethe A1 Adverb
  1. there
  2. here, present
  3. at that moment, that's when...
  4. because
1.

there

Opposite: hier
(counterpart to "here", more common than "dort")
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Examples
  • Die Tasche steht da neben dem Tisch.
  • The bag is there next to the table.
2.

here, present

Opposite: weg
(as in "I'm there for you." for example.)
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Examples
  • Ich bin immer für dich da.
  • I'm always there for you.
3.

at that moment, that's when...

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Examples
  • Ich war gerade dabei die Tür abzuschliessen. Da hast du angerufen.
  • I was locking my door. In that moment you called me.
4.

because

(more formal sounding synonym for "weil", grammar is the same as "weil")
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Examples
  • Sie nimmt einen Schirm mit, da es regnen soll.
  • She is taking an umbrella because it is supposed to rain.

Word Family

Knowing relations between words can help understand their meanings and build a more connected vocabulary network. Here, you can explore parents and offspring and discover the whole family.

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Sources for Etymology:

My Articles

Time in German 6 – Coordinating Actions

We'll learn how to properly arrange actions (clauses) in time using the German words for before, after and while. Also: difference between nachdem and danach and others

Vocab: bevor, vorher, danach, nachdem, während

Read article →

The meaning of “da”

"da" means "there", "here","because" and "then". Seems a bit random, but if you think of "da" as verbal index finger, you understand why Germans use it so much.

Read article →

rauf, herauf, drauf, hinauf – A Deeper Look at Versions

rauf, herauf, hinauf, drauf - These types of words are very common. Today, we'll find out where they come from and how they're ACTUALLY used with German verbs.

Read article →

Questions and Comments

Do you have questions about the usage or meaning of “da”? Just ask here and I’ll try to clear it up.

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4 Comments
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Oldest

Bissell
Bissell

Hey there, I’m on the ‘da’ explanation/details page and most (5/7) of the examples don’t have the word da in them. Just wanted you to know.

Reply
Emanuel
Author
Emanuel
Reply to  Bissell

Good to know, danke!! I’ll fix that over the holidays.

Reply
Bissell
Bissell
Reply to  Emanuel

Well since I have you here … :)
Trying to see if I am correct:
When using da in place of weil, it is best to use it when the subordinate clause is in the second half. Thus I would not start a sentence “Da meine Frau früh zu Hause kommt, räume ich…” That should be Weil. Da works best “Ich räume ich schnell die Küche auf, da meine Frau…”
Is this about right?

Reply
Emanuel
Author
Emanuel
Reply to  Bissell

No, starting with a “da”-clause is fine and common. “da” sounds a bit formal in this meaning, and I never use it, except in writing.

Reply

How many meanings does the German word 'da' have?

da has 4 distinct meanings: 1. there, 2. here, present, 3. at that moment, that's when..., 4. because .

What is 'da' related to?

The word 'da' is related to *te-, *to-.

Where can I learn more about 'da'?

Here are some articles where you can learn more about 'da':

Time in German 6 – Coordinating Actions
We'll learn how to properly arrange actions (clauses) in time using the German words for before, after and while. Also: difference between nachdem and danach and others
Vocab: bevor, vorher, danach, nachdem, während
Read article

The meaning of “da”
"da" means "there", "here","because" and "then". Seems a bit random, but if you think of "da" as verbal index finger, you understand why Germans use it so much.
Read article

rauf, herauf, drauf, hinauf – A Deeper Look at Versions
rauf, herauf, hinauf, drauf - These types of words are very common. Today, we'll find out where they come from and how they're ACTUALLY used with German verbs.
Read article