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.
