01
durchkommen
to get through
To make one's way through an obstacle, a crowd, or a narrow space.
example
Bei dem Konzert war es so voll, dass wir kaum durchkamen.
It was so crowded at the concert that we could hardly get through.
durchkommen
to get through
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 05
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Durchkommen' (to get through) is a separable verb. The prefix 'durch' comes at the end in a main clause, while in a subordinate clause it remains attached to the verb.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Staus kam ich heute Morgen kaum durch.
Because of the traffic jam, I could hardly get through this morning.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
The perfect tense of 'durchkommen' (to get through) is always formed with 'sein' (to be), because it describes movement or a change of state. So it is 'ich bin durchgekommen' (I got through / I have got through).
EXAMPLE
Bist du bei der Service-Hotline endlich durchgekommen?
Did you finally get through to the service hotline?
The role of 'durch'
The prefix 'durch' here means successfully overcoming an obstacle. This obstacle can be a crowd, an exam, an illness, or a busy phone line.
EXAMPLE
Trotz des starken Schneefalls sind alle Züge pünktlich durchgekommen.
Despite the heavy snowfall, all the trains got through on time.
Use with 'bei'
When it is about exams or also phone calls, 'durchkommen' (to pass / to get through) is often used with the preposition 'bei' and the dative to describe the situation.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist beim ersten Versuch bei der Fahrprüfung durchgekommen.
She passed the driving test on her first attempt.
Context: illness
In connection with a serious illness, an accident, or an operation, 'durchkommen' (to pull through) means that someone survives.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem schweren Unfall war lange unklar, ob der Patient durchkommen würde.
After the serious accident, it was unclear for a long time whether the patient would pull through.
Subject of the sentence
When it is about a message, the message or the information itself is the subject of the sentence, not the person.
EXAMPLE
Meine Kündigung per E-Mail ist anscheinend nicht durchgekommen.
My notice of resignation by email apparently didn't come through.
Compare with
durchkommen vs bestehen
to pass / consist / exist
'bestehen' and 'durchkommen' can both mean that someone passes an exam or manages a difficult task. 'bestehen' is neutral and precise, especially for exams, tests, and official results. 'durchkommen' sounds more colloquial and often emphasizes that it was close or difficult. It is used more in everyday speech than in formal situations. Learners may confuse the words because both express success. If you are speaking clearly and neutrally about an exam, use 'bestehen'. If you want to say that someone just barely made it, 'durchkommen' fits well.
durchkommen
Wir sind beim schweren Test gerade noch durchgekommen.
We just barely passed the difficult test.
bestehen
Nach drei Monaten Lernen hat Maria die Deutschprüfung bestanden.
After three months of studying, Maria passed the German exam.
In real life
Loading video examples...