danach
afterward
Indicates a point in time that follows a previously mentioned event; afterward, later.
EXAMPLE
Wir essen erst zu Abend und gehen danach ins Kino.
We'll have dinner first and go to the movies afterward.
danach
afterward / after that
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Meanings
danach
after it / for it
As a pronominal adverb, it refers to a thing or situation connected with the preposition 'nach' (for example 'fragen nach' (to ask about/for), 'riechen nach' (to smell of/like), 'sich sehnen nach' (to long for)).
EXAMPLE
Das riecht gut. Wonach duftet es hier eigentlich?
That smells good. What does it actually smell like in here?
danach
accordingly
Expresses a logical result or consequence; accordingly, consequently.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Regeln gebrochen und wird auch danach beurteilt.
He broke the rules and will also be judged accordingly.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Danach' (afterward/after that) is a pronominal adverb made up of 'da' and the preposition 'nach'. Here, 'da' functions like a pronoun and refers to something that was mentioned earlier.
EXAMPLE
Er fragte nach dem Weg. Ich konnte ihm danach aber nicht helfen.
He asked for directions. But I couldn't help him with that.
Word order
When 'danach' (afterward/after that) stands at the beginning of a main clause (position 1), the conjugated verb follows directly in position 2. This word order is called inversion.
EXAMPLE
Zuerst trinken wir Kaffee. Danach machen wir einen Spaziergang.
First we'll drink coffee. Afterward we'll take a walk.
Use with verbs
As a pronominal adverb, 'danach' replaces the combination 'nach + Sache' (after/for + thing). It is often used with verbs that have the fixed preposition 'nach', such as 'fragen nach' (to ask about/for), 'suchen nach' (to search/look for), 'sich sehnen nach' (to long for), or 'riechen nach' (to smell of/like).
EXAMPLE
Sie sehnt sich nach Urlaub. Ich sehne mich auch danach.
She longs for a vacation. I long for it too.
Compare with
danach vs dann
then
„Dann“ and „danach“ can both express a sequence in time. „Dann“ usually simply continues with the next step in a story, while „danach“ explicitly refers back to an event mentioned earlier. Use „dann“ for the sequence of events and „danach“ for a clear reference to the event.
danach
Wir kochen gemeinsam, und danach essen wir im Garten.
We’ll cook together, and afterward we’ll eat in the garden.
dann
Zuerst kaufen wir ein, dann kochen wir gemeinsam.
First we’ll go shopping, then we’ll cook together.
In real life
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