01
dahinter
behind it
Indicates a position that is at the back of something or behind something.
example
Das Haus ist groß, und der Garten dahinter ist wunderschön.
The house is big, and the garden behind it is beautiful.
dahinter
behind it
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word formation
'Dahinter' (behind it) is a pronominal adverb made up of 'da' and the preposition 'hinter' (behind). It literally means 'behind the/that' or 'behind it' and refers to something that was mentioned earlier.
EXAMPLE
Siehst du die große Tür? Dahinter ist der Konferenzraum.
Do you see the big door? Behind it is the conference room.
Sentence structure and use
'Dahinter' (behind it) replaces the combination 'hinter + noun' in order to avoid repetition. You use it when the place or thing is already known.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Museum ist ein Parkplatz. Dahinter beginnt ein kleiner Wald.
In front of the museum is a parking lot. Behind it begins a small forest.
Typical collocations
In its figurative meaning, 'dahinter' (behind it) is often used in questions or fixed expressions to investigate the real reason. Very common are 'Was steckt dahinter?' (What's behind it?) or 'die Absicht dahinter' (the intention behind it).
EXAMPLE
Sein Angebot klingt zu gut. Ich frage mich, was dahinter steckt.
His offer sounds too good. I wonder what is behind it.
Fixed expression
The expression 'dahinter sein' means that someone is trying very hard to make sure something gets done. It is often followed by a construction with 'dass' (that) or 'zu' + infinitive.
EXAMPLE
Der Chef ist dahinter, dass das Projekt pünktlich fertig wird.
The boss is on it, making sure that the project is finished on time.
Compare with
dahinter vs hinter
behind
'hinter' and 'dahinter' can both describe a position at the back of something or after something else. 'hinter' is a preposition and needs a noun or pronoun: 'hinter dem Schrank' (behind the cupboard), 'hinter mich' (behind me). 'dahinter' is an adverb and replaces this whole place expression when it is already clear what you are talking about. For example, you first say 'der Schrank' (the cupboard) and then 'dahinter' (behind it). Learners confuse them because the spatial meaning seems the same. In practice: 'hinter' needs a complement, while 'dahinter' refers to something already mentioned.
dahinter
Neben der Schule steht eine kleine Sporthalle; dahinter beginnt der Park.
Next to the school there is a small sports hall; behind it, the park begins.
hinter
Die Gruppe wartet hinter dem Eingang auf den Kursleiter.
The group is waiting behind the entrance for the course instructor.
In real life
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