What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally composed of the definite article der (the) and the adverb da (there).
Which one should you use?
While der da is a common way to point things out, other forms exist depending on the context. In very formal writing, one might use jene(r/s) as a pronoun or adjective or the more sophisticated Der/die/dasjenige, which is always accompanied by a definite article. In everyday informal speech, der/die/das da is used to point out objects.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
der da is a colloquial way to point out a specific person or object. For a more formal approach, use jene(r/s) or the sophisticated Der/die/dasjenige. In very casual settings, you might hear just das.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes based on the gender of the noun being replaced: use die da for feminine nouns and das da for neuter nouns. Additionally, if the "that one" is the direct object of a sentence, the masculine form changes from der da to den da.
How do you pronounce it?
/deːr daː/
Did you know?
- The word da in der da originally evolved from three separate words that meant 'there', 'to that place' and 'then'.
- If you are pointing at a person in a very formal setting, using der da might sound much too casual, almost as if you are pointing at an object rather than a human being.
- In some German dialects, the distinction between 'here' and 'there' is blurred, meaning da can sometimes be used for something right in front of the speaker.
Examples in context
- Der da hat kein Hemd an.That one there hasn't got a shirt on.This sentence is useful for describing the clothing of the person being pointed out using der da.Tatoeba #10274184 by wolfgangth, translation #8888190 by sundown
- Der da hat keine Weste an.That one there hasn't got a vest on.Tatoeba #10274185 by wolfgangth, translation #8888191 by sundown
- Der da hat kein Leibchen an.That one doesn't have a shirt on.Tatoeba #8333797 by brauchinet, translation #8888192 by sundown
- Welche Schuhe magst du? – Die da drüben!Which shoes do you like? – Those over there!
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are choosing a cake at a bakery.
- JuliaWelchen Kuchen möchtest du, Maximilian?Which cake would you like, Maximilian?
- MaximilianIch nehme der da mit den Erdbeeren.I'll take that one with the strawberries.
- JuliaGute Wahl, der da sieht lecker aus.Good choice, that one looks delicious.
- MaximilianJa, der da ist bestimmt sehr süß.Yes, that one is certainly very sweet.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (der, da) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries da, der, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
