dazu
with it
Refers to something previously mentioned and means 'in addition to that', 'as a supplement'.
EXAMPLE
Ich esse einen Salat und trinke dazu ein Glas Wasser.
I'm eating a salad and drinking a glass of water with it.
dazu
to that / additionally
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Meanings
dazu
about that
Refers to a topic or matter and means 'on this topic', 'about it'.
EXAMPLE
Was meinst du dazu?
What do you think about that?
dazu gehören
to be part of it
To be part of a group, a thing, or a concept.
EXAMPLE
Ein gewisses Risiko gehört bei diesem Geschäft einfach dazu.
A certain amount of risk is simply part of this business.
dazu kommen
to get around to it
To find the time or opportunity to do something.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin die ganze Woche noch nicht dazu gekommen, den Keller aufzuräumen.
I haven't gotten around to cleaning up the basement all week.
dazu lernen
to learn more
To acquire new knowledge or skills, often through experience.
EXAMPLE
In meinem ersten Berufsjahr habe ich unglaublich viel dazugelernt.
In my first year on the job, I learned an incredible amount.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Dazu' is a pronominal adverb and a compound of 'da' (there/that) and 'zu' (to). The 'da' always refers to something that was mentioned earlier in the conversation or text.
EXAMPLE
Wir brauchen Mehl, Eier und Zucker. Dazu kommt noch eine Prise Salz.
We need flour, eggs, and sugar. In addition, there is a pinch of salt.
Context clue
To recognize the meaning, pay attention to the context. If 'dazu' refers to a concrete addition (e.g., food), it means 'in addition' or 'with it'. If it refers to a topic or question, it means 'on this topic' or 'about that'.
EXAMPLE
Ich nehme ein Schnitzel. Dazu bestelle ich einen kleinen Salat.
I'll have a schnitzel. With it, I'll order a small salad.
Sentence structure with infinitive
'Dazu' can also refer to a following action and replace or prepare a subordinate clause with 'um zu' (in order to) or 'dass' (that). It then connects a purpose or condition with a statement.
EXAMPLE
Um ein guter Musiker zu werden, muss man täglich üben. Dazu gehört viel Disziplin.
To become a good musician, you have to practice every day. That requires a lot of discipline.
Fixed expression
The expression 'dazu gehören' means 'to be part of something'. It is often used to express what is considered normal or necessary for a certain situation or group.
EXAMPLE
Ein bisschen Aufregung vor einer Prüfung gehört einfach dazu.
A little nervousness before an exam is simply part of it.
Fixed expression
The expression 'dazu kommen, etwas zu tun' means to find the time or opportunity to do something. It is very often used in the negative.
EXAMPLE
Ich wollte dich anrufen, bin aber leider nicht dazu gekommen.
I wanted to call you, but unfortunately I didn't get around to it.
Fixed expression
'Dazulernen' means to acquire new skills or new knowledge, often through practical experience. It emphasizes a gain in competence over time.
EXAMPLE
Jeder macht Fehler, aber das Wichtigste ist, dass man daraus dazulernt.
Everyone makes mistakes, but the most important thing is that you learn from them.
Compare with
dazu vs auch
also / even
Auch and dazu can both express an addition. auch usually focuses on the sentence element that additionally applies, while dazu refers to something mentioned earlier as an addition. Use auch to include a particular element and dazu when the addition relates to the previous content.
dazu
Ich kaufe für das Abendessen frisches Brot und dazu noch Käse.
I'm buying fresh bread for dinner, and some cheese to go with it as well.
auch
Ich kaufe für das Abendessen auch frisches Brot.
I'm also buying fresh bread for dinner.
In real life
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