instead of
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instead of
As a preposition with the genitive (also dative in colloquial speech) with the meaning 'in place of'.
Er kaufte Blumen statt des Weins, den er eigentlich mitbringen wollte.
He bought flowers instead of the wine he had actually wanted to bring.
instead of ... -ing
As a conjunction that expresses an alternative to an action. It introduces an infinitive clause.
Statt zu schlafen, hat sie die ganze Nacht gelesen.
Instead of sleeping, she read all night.
You can recognize the function of 'statt' (instead of) from the word that follows. If 'statt' comes before a noun, it is a preposition. If 'zu' and a verb in the infinitive follow, it is part of a conjunction that introduces a subordinate clause.
Ich nehme Wasser statt Saft.
I'll take water instead of juice.
As a preposition, 'statt' (instead of) formally requires the genitive. In colloquial speech, however, the dative is used very frequently, which is now widely accepted.
Er kam statt seines Bruders zur Party. (Genitiv, formell)
He came to the party instead of his brother. (genitive, formal)
The construction 'statt ... zu' (instead of ... -ing) introduces an infinitive clause. The verb stands at the end of the clause in the infinitive with 'zu'. This clause describes an action that does not take place.
Er spielt am Computer, statt seine Hausaufgaben zu machen.
He is playing on the computer instead of doing his homework.
for
Für can mean that someone represents another person and acts on their behalf. Statt, by contrast, emphasizes that someone takes that person's place or replaces them. When someone is standing in for another person, both can fit, but only für can place the emphasis on acting on the person's behalf.
Wegen ihrer Erkrankung unterschreibt Jana statt ihrer Kollegin.
Because of her colleague's illness, Jana signs instead of her colleague.
Auf ihren Wunsch unterschreibt Jana für ihre erkrankte Kollegin.
At her sick colleague's request, Jana signs on her behalf.
