darauf warten

Definition & meaning

The German phrase "darauf warten" translates to "to wait for it" or "to wait for that" in English. It is a combination of a pronominal adverb and a verb. It is used in two primary ways:

1. Referring back: It refers to something previously mentioned in a conversation. For example, if someone mentions a delivery, you might say, "Ich warte schon lange darauf" (I have been waiting for it for a long time).
2. Introducing a clause: It acts as a placeholder or "anticipatory" object for a following clause, usually starting with "dass" or an infinitive construction. For example, "Ich warte darauf, dass er anruft" (I am waiting for him to call).

It implies a state of anticipation or staying in a place/condition until a specific event occurs.

Grammar & Word origin

The expression consists of two parts:

• darauf: This is a pronominal adverb formed from "da-" (there) and the preposition "auf" (on/for). In German, when a verb requires a specific preposition (warten + auf) and the object is an abstract concept, a thing, or a whole sentence, "da(r)" is attached to the preposition.
• warten: This is a weak verb. Its origin is the Old High German "wartēn," which originally meant "to watch," "to look out," or "to guard."

Important grammatical note: If you are waiting for a person, you do not use "darauf." Instead, you use the preposition "auf" followed by the person in the accusative case (e.g., "Ich warte auf dich"). "Darauf warten" is reserved for objects, situations, or actions.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• erwarten↗ (to expect/await)
• entgegensehen↗ (to look forward to/await)
• harren↗ (a more formal or literary way to say "to wait")
• lauern↗ (to lie in wait/lurk, often with a negative or predatory connotation)

Antonyms:

• wegsehen↗ (to look away)
• ignorieren↗ (to ignore)
• verpassen↗ (to miss an event or opportunity)
• vorauseilen↗ (to hurry ahead/precede)