dabei — meaning in English: there

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for there

dabei

darauf

typ

halten

wahr

Skip this question

🎓

Learn German for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use 'dabei' in both casual conversations and more formal discussions, often in contexts where someone is explaining their presence or involvement in an event. For instance, one might say, 'Ich war dabei, als wir das Projekt gestartet haben,' meaning 'I was there when we started the project,' highlighting participation and presence.

Synonyms & nuances

'Dabei' is often compared to 'dort,' which simply means 'there' without the connotation of involvement. While 'dort' can refer to a location, 'dabei' emphasizes not just being present but also participating in or witnessing an event, making it more dynamic and contextually rich.

Culture

'Dabei' has roots in Middle High German, stemming from 'daz bei,' which means 'there by.' This word embodies a sense of presence not just in a physical sense but also in terms of involvement and participation in activities. Interestingly, 'dabei' is often used in German idioms and expressions, illustrating the importance of being present in both social and professional settings.

FAQ

Q.What does 'dabei' mean in English?

'Dabei' translates to 'there' in English, but it also conveys a sense of being involved or present in a situation or event.

Q.How do you use 'dabei' in a sentence?

You can use 'dabei' to indicate your presence at an event or your involvement in an activity, such as in the sentence, 'Ich war dabei, als sie das Geschenk überreichten,' which means 'I was there when they presented the gift.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'dabei'?

A common mistake is using 'dabei' when you mean to simply refer to a location. Remember that 'dabei' implies participation or presence, whereas 'dort' is more appropriate for indicating a place.

Learn german with Maspeak →

German 500