01
ankommen
to arrive
To reach a destination.
example
Der Zug aus München wird pünktlich auf Gleis 5 ankommen.
The train from Munich will arrive on time at platform 5.
ankommen
to arrive
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ankommen' (to arrive) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' goes at the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Mein Flug kommt um 18 Uhr in Berlin an.
My flight arrives in Berlin at 6 p.m.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
Since 'ankommen' (to arrive) describes movement toward a destination, the perfect tense is formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), not with 'haben' (to have).
EXAMPLE
Bist du gut zu Hause angekommen?
Did you get home safely?
Fixed expression
In the meaning 'abhängen von' (to depend on), 'ankommen' is used in the fixed expression 'es kommt auf etwas an' (it depends on something). The object is always in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Es kommt auf deine Entscheidung an.
It depends on your decision.
Sentence structure: how something comes across
When 'ankommen' means how something is received or comes across, an adverb is often used with it, such as 'gut' (well) or 'schlecht' (badly), and the group of people is expressed in the dative with the preposition 'bei'.
EXAMPLE
Der neue Film kam beim Publikum sehr gut an.
The new film came across very well with the audience.
Prepositions of place
To state the destination, you usually use 'in' + dative for cities and countries, or 'an' + dative for places like a train station, airport, or stop.
EXAMPLE
Wir sind gestern Abend in Hamburg angekommen.
We arrived in Hamburg yesterday evening.
Sentence structure: fighting against something
In this meaning, 'ankommen' is always used with the preposition 'gegen' + accusative. It often expresses that you have no chance.
EXAMPLE
Gegen seine laute Stimme komme ich einfach nicht an.
I simply can't stand a chance against his loud voice.
Compare with
ankommen vs kommen
to come
'kommen' and 'ankommen' both have to do with movement toward a destination. 'kommen' describes movement toward a place or person in general. It can also mean that someone arrives somewhere. 'ankommen' clearly emphasizes the moment when you reach the destination. That is why 'ankommen' fits especially well for trips, deliveries, or exact times. Learners confuse the words because both often appear with a destination. Remember: 'kommen' says that someone is on the way to a place or is going there; 'ankommen' says that the destination has been reached.
ankommen
Wegen des Wetters sind die Eltern erst spät zu Hause angekommen.
Because of the weather, the parents did not arrive home until late.
kommen
Im Wartezimmer kommt gleich die nächste Patientin dran.
In the waiting room, the next patient will be called in any moment.
In real life
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