Dort

Dort is a German adverb meaning there and is used to indicate a location away from the speaker or a referenced point. It contrasts with hier (here) and is common in both spoken and written German. In practice, dort can accompany demonstratives such as dort drüben (“over there”) to emphasize a more distant position.

Etymology and history: Dort originates from Old High German dort and is cognate with similar forms in other West Germanic languages. It is a staple of standard German and has retained its basic demonstrative function through the modern language.

Usage notes: Dort is primarily static, describing where something is located. For movement toward a place, German more often uses dorthin (to there) or dahin (in that direction). Dort can be used with relative clauses and in situational phrases, e.g., Dort steht ein Haus. Dort ist der Bahnhof.

Comparison with related terms: Da describes a location that is relatively close or near the speaker. Dort implies greater distance. The two words are complemented by hier (here), dahin (to that place), and dorthin (to there).