dafür
in favor
Expresses agreement with or support for something; the opposite of 'dagegen' (against it).
EXAMPLE
Sollen wir ins Kino gehen? Ich bin dafür.
Should we go to the movies? I'm in favor.
dafür
for it / in favor
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Meanings
dafür
for that
Refers to a purpose or intended use.
EXAMPLE
Das ist ein spezielles Werkzeug. Wofür ist das? Dafür, um Schrauben zu lösen.
That is a special tool. What is it for? For loosening screws.
dafür
in return
As a replacement, return service, or compensation for something.
EXAMPLE
Ich helfe dir bei den Hausaufgaben, dafür gibst du mir ein Stück von deinem Kuchen.
I'll help you with your homework; in return, you give me a piece of your cake.
dafür
to blame for it
Indicates the reason or cause for something previously mentioned.
EXAMPLE
Er hat den Zug verpasst. Er kann aber nichts dafür, der Bus hatte Verspätung.
He missed the train. But he can't help it; the bus was late.
dafür
on the other hand
Introduces a balancing or contrasting positive aspect, often after a negative one.
EXAMPLE
Die Wohnung ist klein, aber dafür ist sie sehr zentral gelegen.
The apartment is small, but on the other hand, it is very centrally located.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Dafür' (for it / in favor) is a pronominal adverb made up of 'da' and the preposition 'für'. It replaces 'für + thing/clause' and helps avoid repetition.
EXAMPLE
Ich interessiere mich für Politik. -> Ich interessiere mich dafür.
I am interested in politics. -> I am interested in it.
Word order
When 'dafür' (for it / in return / on the other hand) stands at the beginning of a main clause (position 1), the verb follows directly in position 2. This change in order is called inversion.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe viel gearbeitet. Dafür bin ich jetzt sehr müde.
I worked a lot. That's why I'm very tired now.
Question and answer
'Dafür' (for that) is the typical answer to the question 'Wofür?' (What for?). It explains the purpose or function of something.
EXAMPLE
Wofür brauchst du den Hammer? Dafür, um ein Bild aufzuhängen.
What do you need the hammer for? For hanging up a picture.
Exchange and return service
In this meaning, 'dafür' (in return) often connects two actions in a kind of 'deal'. The structure is often: 'Du tust X für mich, dafür tue ich Y für dich.' (You do X for me; in return, I do Y for you.)
EXAMPLE
Du hilfst mir beim Umzug, dafür lade ich dich zum Essen ein.
You help me move; in return, I'll invite you to dinner.
Fixed expression
The expression 'nichts dafür können' (to not be able to help it / to not be to blame) is very common and means 'keine Schuld haben' (to have no fault). The person who is innocent is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann nichts dafür, dass der Zug Verspätung hat.
I can't help it that the train is delayed.
Balancing contrast
'Dafür' (on the other hand) is often used after a negative statement to introduce a positive, balancing aspect. It frequently appears together with 'aber' (but).
EXAMPLE
Der Winter ist kalt, aber dafür kann man Ski fahren.
Winter is cold, but on the other hand, you can go skiing.
Compare with
dafür vs aber
but
„Aber“ generally contrasts two qualities. „Dafür“ additionally shows that the positive aspect makes up for a disadvantage mentioned earlier. When this compensation is important, „dafür“ is a better fit; for a neutral contrast, „aber“ is sufficient.
dafür
Die Wohnung ist klein, dafür ist sie günstig.
The apartment is small, but at least it is affordable.
aber
Die Wohnung ist klein, aber sie ist günstig.
The apartment is small, but it is affordable.
In real life
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