Hier vs Dort – Here vs There
This short guide explains when to use hier, dort, and related words to point to locations or times so you sound natural and precise in German.
Hier
Use hier to indicate something very near to the speaker, often within arm's reach or immediately at hand. Think of the object being "right here" next to you.
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Dort
Use dort to point to a place farther from the speaker, often out of immediate reach or at some noticeable distance. It signals "over there" relative to the speaker.
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Da
Da is more flexible and can mark a location slightly away from the speaker; it is often used in spoken German to refer to places or things that are not immediately next to you but not very distant either.
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Weil vs Denn
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Examples
| German Example | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ☕ Die Tasse ist hier auf dem Tisch. | The cup is here on the table. | Specifies exact location "hier". |
| 🛋️ Das Buch liegt dort auf dem Sofa. | The book is lying there on the sofa. | Indicates location farther away "dort". |
| 🗝️ Ich habe die Schlüssel da an der Tür hängen. | I have the keys hanging there on the door. | Uses "da" for a known nearby spot. |
| 🌧️ Ich bleibe hier, weil es draußen regnet. | I’m staying here because it’s raining outside. | Subordinate cause with "weil". |
| 📢 Es regnet, denn alle rennen mit Regenschirmen. | It’s raining, for everyone is running with umbrellas. | Main clause cause with "denn". |
Summary
In short, use hier for very near locations, dort for more distant places, and da for intermediate or flexible reference points; small contexts and gestures often guide the best choice.
Last updated: Tue Sep 16, 2025