dafür

Dafür is a German pronominal adverb meaning “in favor of it” or “for that.” It refers to a proposition, option, or matter mentioned earlier and functions as the object of approval or support without repeating the noun phrase. It is commonly used with verbs of opinion, decision, or voting, for example: “Ich bin dafür” (I am in favor), “Sie stimmten dafür” (they voted in favor), or “Wir setzen uns dafür ein” (we advocate for it).

Etymology and form: The word is formed from da- (“there” or a demonstrative reference) and für (“for”). It is a fused, non-inflected form that points back to a previously stated issue. Grammatically, dafür behaves as an adverbial pronoun and does not change for gender or number.

Usage notes: Dafür is often paired with verbs such as sein (to be in favor), stimmen (to vote in favor), or einsetzen (to advocate for). It can also appear in compound phrases like dafür sorgen (to see to it that) or dafür eintreten (to stand up for it). In questions, Wofür? asks what someone is in favor of; the answer may simply be dafür or dafür + a noun phrase, e.g., „Ich bin dafür, den Plan umzusetzen.“

See also: Dagegen (against), befürworten (to advocate/support), unterstützen (to support). The contrast between dafür and dage­gen frequently guides discussions, votes, and expressions of support in German discourse.