Ich warte darauf.
English: I am waiting for it.
- Language
- German
- Level
- B2
- Unit
- Verb-Präposition- und Reflexivstrukturen
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
Pronominaladverbien are special German words made by combining 'da-' or 'wo-' with a preposition. They replace things (not people) in a sentence, especially after prepositions.
When to use it
You use Pronominaladverbien when you want to refer back to something already mentioned, especially after a preposition. They are often used with verbs that require prepositions, and in questions or answers about things (not people).
Key forms
- darauf
- damit
- daran
- dafür
- dazu
- woran
- worauf
- womit
- wofür
Examples
Womit schreibst du?
English: What are you writing with?
Wir sprechen darüber.
English: We are talking about it.
Worauf freust du dich?
English: What are you looking forward to?
Dafür interessiere ich mich.
English: I am interested in that.
Tips
- Use Pronominaladverbien only for things or ideas, not for people.
- The preposition in the Pronominaladverbium must match the verb.
- For questions, use 'wo-' plus the preposition (sometimes add an 'r' for pronunciation).
Exceptions and edge cases
- Do not use Pronominaladverbien for people. Use 'für ihn', 'mit ihr', etc.
- Some prepositions starting with vowels add an extra 'r' (e.g., 'worauf', 'woran').