darauf

Darauf is a German pronominal adverb formed from da and auf. It functions as a substitute for a prepositional object introduced by auf, often referring back to a previously mentioned thing, idea, or situation. In practice, darauf is used to express “to/for that,” “on it,” or “thereupon,” depending on the context.

Common uses and meanings

- Referencing a prior statement or event: Ich freue mich darauf. (I’m looking forward to it.) Here darauf stands in for a previously mentioned activity or event introduced with auf.

- Following verbs that take auf (with a dependent object): Wir warten darauf. (We are waiting for it.)

- Emphasizing what matters: Darauf kommt es an. (That is what matters.)

- Indicating a surface or location in contexts like putting or placing: Ich lege das Buch darauf. (I place the book on it.)

- Related constructions with hints or pointing out information: Er hat darauf hingewiesen. (He pointed that out.)

Relation to other pronominal adverbs

Darauf belongs to a broader set of da- compounds (daran, darüber, darin, darauf, davor, etc.), each corresponding to a different preposition and/or referent. The choice among them depends on which preposition governs the original noun or idea. A closely related form is daraufhin, meaning “thereupon” or “as a result,” used to mark sequence or consequence.

Usage notes

- Darauf is a fixed form; it does not vary for gender or number.

- It is most common with verbs or expressions that pair with auf, such as warten auf, hoffen auf, sich freuen auf, achten auf, or auf etwas hinweisen.

Darauf thus occupies a central role in linking discourse to an antecedent tied to the preposition auf, enabling concise reference to prior content.