01
darum
therefore
Introduces a clause of consequence and means 'deshalb' (therefore) or 'aus diesem Grund' (for this reason).
example
Das Wetter war schlecht, darum sind wir zu Hause geblieben.
The weather was bad, therefore we stayed at home.
darum
therefore / about it / around it
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Darum' is a pronominal adverb made up of 'da(r)' and the preposition 'um'. The part 'da-' refers to a thing or circumstance that was mentioned before.
EXAMPLE
Es gibt ein Problem und wir müssen uns darum kümmern.
There is a problem and we have to take care of it.
Word order
When 'darum' introduces a reason or consequence, it often stands at the beginning of the clause in position 1. The verb then moves directly after it into position 2.
EXAMPLE
Ich war krank, darum konnte ich nicht zur Party kommen.
I was sick, therefore I couldn't come to the party.
Typical expression
The expression 'es geht darum' (it's about) is very common and is used to name the central topic or problem of a situation.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Diskussion geht es nicht um dich, sondern darum, eine Lösung zu finden.
The discussion is not about you, but about finding a solution.
Sentence structure with subordinate clauses
In connection with verbs like 'gehen' (to be about), 'bitten' (to ask), or 'sich kümmern' (to take care of), 'darum' often introduces a subordinate clause with 'dass' or an infinitive construction with 'zu'.
EXAMPLE
Ich bitte dich darum, pünktlich zu sein.
I ask you to be on time.
Context clue
The spatial meaning 'um etwas herum' (around something) is less common. You can recognize it when the context describes the physical arrangement of objects or places.
EXAMPLE
Das Haus hat einen großen Garten darum.
The house has a large garden around it.
Compare with
darum vs also
so / therefore
'also' and 'darum' can both express a consequence or a reason. In this meaning, 'darum' means roughly 'deshalb' (therefore). 'also' often sounds like a conclusion: you have heard or seen something and draw a result from it. 'darum' puts more emphasis on the reason for an action. Learners confuse the words because both can appear in clauses of consequence. The important point is: 'darum' also has other uses, for example in 'sich darum kümmern' (to take care of it). There, you cannot simply replace it with 'also'.
darum
Er hat am Morgen keine Zeit, darum kauft er später mit seinem Freund ein.
He has no time in the morning, so he goes shopping later with his friend.
also
Die Aufgabe ist schwer, also fragen wir die Lehrerin.
The task is difficult, so we ask the teacher.
In real life
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