dorthin

Dorthin is a German adverb of place used to indicate direction toward a specific place, meaning “to there” or “to that place.” It is commonly employed with verbs of motion or with imperatives, and can also occur with verbs like zeigen to point to a destination. The word is written as a single unit.

Etymology and form: Dorthin originates from the combination of da (there) and hin (toward). In older forms it appeared as dorhin, and over time the spelling contracted to the modern dorthin. The construction reflects a broader German pattern of da/wo and hin/her elements fused into a directional adverb.

Usage and grammar: Dorthin is used when the destination is definite or has been established in the discourse. Typical constructions include gehen dorthin, fahren dorthin, or Zeig mir dorthin. It emphasizes the target location rather than the path taken. In sentences with perception or instruction, dorthin can function similarly to other directional adverbs to specify where to direct action.

Nuances and variants: Dorthin is often considered more formal or written than dahin, which is more common in everyday speech. Both can convey a destination, but dahin tends to be used more colloquially, and dorthin lends a sense of arriving at a particular place already identified in context. Distinctions are subtle and context-dependent, with both forms commonly understood by German speakers.

Examples: Gehe dorthin, wo der Baum steht. Wir fahren dorthin, wo die Berge beginnen. Zeig mir dorthin.

See also: German motion verbs, demonstratives in German, directional adverbs.