to come along
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to come along
To approach or arrive, often in a particular, striking way. The word describes not only the movement, but also the impression the person or thing makes while doing so.
Plötzlich kam ein seltsam gekleideter Mann die Straße daher.
Suddenly, a strangely dressed man came along down the street.
'Daherkommen' (to come along / to come out with) is a separable verb. The prefix 'daher-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
Ein Mann kam die Straße daher.
A man came along down the street.
The prefix 'daher-' emphasizes the manner or impression of a movement, not just the movement itself. It often has a slightly evaluative or descriptive connotation.
Dort kommt die Chefin mit ernster Miene daher.
There comes the boss along with a serious expression.
You can recognize the meaning from the sentence structure: if the verb describes physical movement, meaning 1 is meant. If it appears with the preposition 'mit' (with) and an idea or excuse, meaning 2 is meant.
Ein Clown kam auf einem Bein dahergehüpft.
A clown came hopping along on one leg.
In this meaning, the verb is always used with the preposition 'mit' (with) and a dative object. The structure is: jemand kommt mit etwas (einer Idee, Ausrede etc.) daher (someone comes out with something—an idea, excuse, etc.).
Komm mir nicht mit solchen Ausreden daher!
Don't come out with excuses like that to me!
to appear
'erscheinen' and 'daherkommen' can both have to do with someone or something coming into view and making an impression. 'erscheinen' is more neutral and only says that something becomes visible or seems a certain way. 'daherkommen' also describes the movement or the way someone or something appears. It often sounds more vivid and sometimes slightly judgmental. Learners may confuse the words because both are connected with appearance and impression. If only the impression matters, 'erscheinen' fits; if the way of arriving or appearing is striking, 'daherkommen' fits better.
Mit seinem roten Mantel kam er ziemlich auffällig daher.
With his red coat, he came across as quite striking.
Am Horizont erschien plötzlich ein großes Schiff.
A large ship suddenly appeared on the horizon.