thereby / through this
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thereby
Refers to something or an action mentioned previously and expresses that something happens by this means or in this way. It means roughly 'dadurch' (thereby) or 'auf diesem Wege' (in this way) and is used mainly in formal language.
Der Antrag wurde genehmigt; hierdurch ist der Bau des neuen Gebäudes nun möglich.
The application was approved; thereby, construction of the new building is now possible.
'Hierdurch' is a compound of 'hier' (here) and 'durch' (through). It literally means 'through this' and refers to a cause or means that was mentioned immediately before.
Das neue Gesetz tritt morgen in Kraft. Hierdurch ändern sich einige Regelungen für Autofahrer.
The new law comes into effect tomorrow. As a result, some regulations for drivers will change.
When 'hierdurch' (thereby) stands at the beginning of a sentence (position 1), the conjugated verb follows directly in position 2. This word order is called inversion.
Die Straße ist gesperrt. Hierdurch müssen alle eine Umleitung fahren.
The road is closed. Because of this, everyone has to take a detour.
This word is used almost exclusively in formal written language. You often find it in official letters, legal texts, or academic papers.
Der Vertrag ist nun von beiden Parteien unterschrieben. Hierdurch wird er rechtskräftig.
The contract has now been signed by both parties. Thereby, it becomes legally binding.
so that / with it
Damit and hierdurch can both refer to a measure mentioned previously. Damit presents it more as a means being used. The more formal hierdurch emphasizes more clearly that the measure produces the following result.
Wir führen jeden Morgen eine Kontrolle durch, und hierdurch sinkt die Zahl der Fehler.
We carry out an inspection every morning, thereby reducing the number of errors.
Wir führen jeden Morgen eine Kontrolle durch, und damit prüfen wir alle wichtigen Daten.
We carry out an inspection every morning, and we use it to check all the important data.
