I. Theory
Da-compounds are used in German as a way of referring back to a noun or action that was already stated in a prior clause or sentence. In English, we often use “that” or “it” in these instances (I don’t have time for that), (we are driving through it). However, in formal writing, we do still find examples like “thereto” or “therein” - this is essentially the same usage in German. These compounds can be used virtually with any preposition though some are used much more frequently than others.| Das Fest ist morgen; ich freue mich darauf! The party is tomorrow; I am looking forward to it! Ich habe Musik studiert, weil ich mich dafür interessierte. I studied music because I was interested in it. Das Projekt ist nicht gut gelaufen. Wir müssen darüber sprechen. The project didn’t go well. We have to talk about it. |