to occur
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to occur
To happen or take place. This word is usually used for notable, sudden, or unexpected events and is more formal than 'passieren' (to happen).
Auf der Autobahn hat sich ein schwerer Unfall ereignet.
A serious accident occurred on the highway.
This verb is always reflexive: 'sich ereignen' (to occur). The reflexive pronoun 'sich' is a fixed part of it and must not be left out. A common mistake is to forget it.
Das Unglück ereignete sich in den frühen Morgenstunden.
The accident occurred in the early morning hours.
The verb 'sich ereignen' (to occur) is closely related to the noun 'das Ereignis' (the event). When something occurs, the result is an event.
Die Konferenz war ein wichtiges Ereignis für die ganze Branche.
The conference was an important event for the entire industry.
'Sich ereignen' (to occur) belongs to a formal, often written style of language. It is frequently found in news reports, reports, or literature to describe important events.
Gestern ereignete sich eine totale Sonnenfinsternis.
Yesterday, a total solar eclipse occurred.
The verb is typically used for notable, sudden, or consequential events. Common subjects are 'ein Unfall' (an accident), 'ein Vorfall' (an incident), 'eine Katastrophe' (a disaster), or 'ein Wunder' (a miracle).
Es ist ein Wunder, dass sich bei diesem Sturm niemand verletzt hat.
It is a miracle that no one was injured in this storm.
to happen / pass
Passieren and sich ereignen both refer to something happening or an incident occurring. Passieren is more neutral and is used more in everyday speech, while sich ereignen is more formal and is especially common for notable or unexpected events. Passieren is usually appropriate in conversation, while sich ereignen is more suitable for a report.
Bei dem Unfall ereignete sich zum Glück kein weiterer schwerer Vorfall.
Fortunately, no other serious incident occurred in connection with the accident.
Zum Glück ist bei dem Unfall niemandem etwas passiert.
Fortunately, no one was hurt in the accident.
