after this / according to this
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after this
Indicates a chronological sequence and means 'after this event' or 'afterward'. It is mainly used in formal or written language.
Zuerst wird der Antrag geprüft; hiernach erhalten Sie eine schriftliche Benachrichtigung.
First, the application will be reviewed; after this, you will receive a written notification.
according to this
Refers to previously mentioned information and means 'in accordance with this' or 'as a result of this'. It is often used in legal, official, or academic texts.
Der Paragraph 5 legt die Fristen fest; hiernach muss der Einspruch innerhalb von zwei Wochen erfolgen.
Section 5 sets the deadlines; according to this, the objection must be filed within two weeks.
The word is made up of 'hier' (here) and 'nach' (after). 'Hier' functions like a pointing finger and refers to something that was mentioned directly before in the sentence or context. 'Hiernach' therefore literally means 'after this'.
Zuerst lesen Sie den Text. Hiernach beantworten Sie die Fragen.
First, read the text. After this, answer the questions.
As an adverb, 'hiernach' can stand at the beginning of the sentence in position 1. In this case, the verb follows directly after it in position 2. However, it can also stand after the verb within the sentence.
Hiernach beginnt die eigentliche Untersuchung.
After this, the actual investigation begins.
'Hiernach' belongs to formal written language and is often used in official, legal, or academic texts. In everyday spoken language, it sounds very stiff.
Der Vertrag ist von beiden Parteien zu unterzeichnen; hiernach ist er rechtskräftig.
The contract must be signed by both parties; after this, it becomes legally binding.
If 'hiernach' refers to an action or event, it means 'danach' (afterward, in a temporal sense). If it refers to a rule, a paragraph, or a piece of information, it means 'gemäß diesem' (according to this) or 'daraus folgend' (as a result of this, in a logical sense).
Die Zeugen wurden befragt, hiernach wurde die Sitzung geschlossen.
The witnesses were questioned; after this, the session was closed.
afterward / after that
Danach and hiernach can both express “after this event.” Danach is neutral and common in everyday language; hiernach sounds noticeably more formal and appears mainly in written texts. Danach fits a normal narrative, while hiernach may be suitable for a formal report.
Die Türen wurden kontrolliert; hiernach verließ das Personal das Gebäude.
The doors were checked; afterward, the staff left the building.
Wir kontrollierten die Türen und verließen danach das Gebäude.
We checked the doors and then left the building.
