01
erreichen
to reach
To arrive at a particular place or destination.
example
Nach einer langen Fahrt haben wir endlich die Küste erreicht.
After a long drive, we finally reached the coast.
erreichen
to reach
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Erreichen' (to reach/achieve) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'er-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem 'reichen' in all tenses and sentence types. The prefix 'er-' often points to the successful completion of an action.
EXAMPLE
Ich hoffe, dass wir unser Ziel bald erreichen.
I hope that we reach our goal soon.
Always with accusative
'Erreichen' is a transitive verb and always needs a direct object in the accusative. A preposition like 'an' or 'zu' is never used to name the destination or goal.
EXAMPLE
Wir erreichen den Bahnhof in fünf Minuten.
We will reach the station in five minutes.
Context clue
The meaning of 'erreichen' becomes clear from the object. A place as the object means 'to arrive'. An abstract noun, e.g. 'Ziel' (goal), means 'to achieve/realize'. A person means 'to contact'.
EXAMPLE
Wann erreichen wir die nächste Stadt?
When will we reach the next city?
Typical goals
In the meaning of 'to achieve/realize', 'erreichen' is often combined with abstract goals. Typical combinations are: 'ein Ziel erreichen' (to achieve a goal), 'einen Abschluss erreichen' (to obtain a degree/qualification), 'eine Verbesserung erreichen' (to achieve an improvement), or 'ein hohes Alter erreichen' (to reach an advanced age).
EXAMPLE
Mit viel Disziplin hat sie eine deutliche Verbesserung ihrer Leistung erreicht.
With a lot of discipline, she achieved a clear improvement in her performance.
Communication context
When the object is a person, it is almost always about communication. The type of communication is often specified with an adverb: 'telefonisch erreichen' (to reach by phone), 'per E-Mail erreichen' (to reach by email), or 'persönlich erreichen' (to reach in person).
EXAMPLE
Der Manager war für eine Stellungnahme nicht zu erreichen.
The manager could not be reached for a statement.
Compare with
erreichen vs kommen
to come
'kommen' and 'erreichen' can both mean that someone arrives at a place. 'kommen' is the normal, simple word when a person goes, travels, or arrives at a place or to someone. 'erreichen' puts more emphasis on the destination, often after a route, a journey, or an effort. It sounds more precise when arriving at the destination is important. They can be confused because both describe arriving somewhere. In many everyday sentences, however, you are more likely to say 'kommen', while 'erreichen' fits well when talking about a specific destination.
erreichen
Nach drei Stunden Fahrt erreichen wir endlich den Bahnhof.
After three hours of driving, we finally reach the station.
kommen
Moritz kommt heute vor dem Termin noch kurz ins Büro.
Moritz is coming to the office briefly before the appointment today.
In real life
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