da
there
Indicates a place; at this place, here or there.
EXAMPLE
Stell die Kiste bitte da in die Ecke.
Please put the box there in the corner.
da
there / since / then
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Meanings
da
since / because
Introduces a subordinate clause that gives a reason or cause; because, since.
EXAMPLE
Da das Wetter schlecht ist, bleiben wir zu Hause.
Since the weather is bad, we're staying at home.
da
then
Refers to a specific point in time or moment; then, at that moment.
EXAMPLE
Ich war gerade eingeschlafen, da klingelte das Telefon.
I had just fallen asleep when the phone rang.
da
there
Used to confirm the presence of a person or thing.
EXAMPLE
Ist jemand da?
Is anyone there?
Usage tips
Context clue: sentence structure
You can recognize the function of 'da' from the sentence structure. If 'da' introduces a subordinate clause (meaning: because/since), the conjugated verb stands at the end. If 'da' refers to a place or point in time, it is an adverb and the verb stands in position 2.
EXAMPLE
Da er müde war, ging er früh ins Bett.
Since he was tired, he went to bed early.
Sentence structure as a conjunction
When 'da' gives a reason, it is a conjunction that introduces a subordinate clause. The conjugated verb must then stand at the end of the subordinate clause.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann heute nicht kommen, da ich einen wichtigen Termin habe.
I can't come today because I have an important appointment.
Use as an adverb
As an adverb for a place ('dort' = there) or a point in time ('dann' = then), 'da' often stands at the beginning of the sentence. In this case, the verb follows directly after it (inversion).
EXAMPLE
Wir waren fast am Ziel. Da sahen wir das Ortsschild.
We were almost at our destination. Then we saw the town sign.
Expressing presence
The meaning 'anwesend' (present/there) is often used in simple, short sentences. Typical situations are on the phone, at the door, or during an attendance check.
EXAMPLE
Hallo, ist Anna da?
Hello, is Anna there?
Compare with
da vs denn
because
Denn and da can express the same reason. Denn connects two main clauses with normal word order, while da introduces a subordinate clause and presents the reason as more familiar or self-evident. Use denn for an independent explanation and da for an assumed reason.
da
Ich bleibe zu Hause, da ich krank bin.
I’m staying home because I’m sick.
denn
Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn ich bin krank.
I’m staying home because I’m sick.
In real life
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