da
there (in that place) · here (in this place) · then (at that time) · since, as (because)
Da means 'there' or 'here' depending on context. It points to a place, time, or situation, and is also used in many fixed expressions.
What da means
- there (in that place) — pointing to a location away from the speaker
- here (in this place) — indicating presence or arrival, often with 'sein'
- then (at that time) — referring to a moment in the past or future
- since, as (because) — used as a conjunction in formal or written German
Heard in real German videos
Lines where da was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Der Zug ist da!The train is here!
- Guck da, Büchsen werfen.Look, they're throwing cans.
- Was steht denn da drauf?What does it say on it?
Example sentences
- Der Zug ist da.The train is here.
- Da drüben ist ein Supermarkt.There is a supermarket over there.
- Da habe ich noch gewohnt.I still lived there at that time.
- Da es regnet, bleiben wir zu Hause.Since it's raining, we're staying home.
Common phrases
- da seinto be there / to be present
- da drübenover there
- da obenup there
- da untendown there
- da hintenback there
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often confuse 'da' with 'weil' when meaning 'because'. 'Da' is more formal and often used at the beginning of a sentence, while 'weil' is more common in everyday speech.
Don’t confuse it with
- weil — Both mean 'because', but 'da' is more formal and often used when the reason is already known or less emphasized.
- dort — 'Dort' means 'there' but is more specific and less common in spoken German; 'da' is more general and frequent.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 'da' and 'dort'?
'Da' is more general and common in spoken German, while 'dort' is more specific and often used in written German. 'Da' can also mean 'here' in some contexts, but 'dort' always means 'there'.
How do you use 'da' as a conjunction?
'Da' can mean 'since' or 'as' when giving a reason. It introduces a subordinate clause, so the conjugated verb goes to the end. Example: 'Da ich krank bin, bleibe ich zu Hause.' (Since I am sick, I stay home.)
What does 'da sein' mean?
'Da sein' means 'to be there' or 'to be present'. It can also mean 'to exist' or 'to be available'. Example: 'Ich bin für dich da.' (I am here for you.)