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 mean that something happens. 'passieren' is the normal everyday word and fits both small and major events. 'sich ereignen' sounds more formal and is used more for special, sudden, or important events, for example in the news or in reports. The words can be confused because their basic meaning is similar. As a practical rule: in conversation, you usually say 'passieren'; in more formal texts, you are more likely to use 'sich ereignen'.
In der Nacht ereignete sich auf der Autobahn ein schwerer Unfall.
A serious accident occurred on the highway during the night.
Was ist gestern nach dem Training passiert?
What happened yesterday after training?