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
darum
about it
As a pronominal adverb that refers to a thing or situation, often in connection with verbs like 'gehen' (to be about) or 'sich kümmern' (to take care of).
EXAMPLE
Es geht darum, eine faire Lösung für alle zu finden.
It's about finding a fair solution for everyone.
darum
around it
Means 'around this thing' or 'around this place'.
EXAMPLE
In der Mitte steht ein Baum und darum sind Bänke aufgestellt.
There is a tree in the middle, and benches are set up around it.
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 dafür
for it / in favor
Dafür and darum can both refer to a matter for which someone takes responsibility. The choice depends on the verb combination: Man sorgt für etwas (you make sure something happens) and kümmert sich um etwas (you take care of something). That is why the expressions are “dafür sorgen” but “sich darum kümmern.”
darum
Ich kümmere mich darum, dass während ihres Urlaubs die Blumen gegossen werden.
I’ll take care of having the flowers watered while she’s on vacation.
dafür
Ich sorge dafür, dass während ihres Urlaubs die Blumen gegossen werden.
I’ll make sure the flowers are watered while she’s on vacation.
In real life
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