01
finden
to find
To discover something or someone by searching or by chance.
example
Ich kann meine Brille einfach nicht finden.
I simply can't find my glasses.
finden
to find
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue: sentence structure
The sentence structure reveals the meaning: If the object is followed by an adjective, 'finden' usually means 'to have an opinion'. If only an object follows, it generally means 'to discover'.
EXAMPLE
Ich finde den neuen Kollegen.
I find the new colleague.
Expressing an opinion
The structure 'Ich finde + accusative object + adjective' is a very common and natural way to express a personal opinion. Alternatively, you can also use a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that).
EXAMPLE
Ich finde diese Idee ausgezeichnet.
I find this idea excellent.
Typical collocations
For abstract goals, 'finden' is often used in fixed collocations. Typical examples are: 'eine Lösung finden' (to find a solution), 'Ruhe finden' (to find peace), 'Arbeit finden' (to find work), or 'einen Kompromiss finden' (to find a compromise).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Tag wollte er nur noch seine Ruhe finden.
After the long day, he just wanted to find some peace.
Reflexive: `sich finden`
The reflexive form 'sich finden' means that something becomes available by itself or unexpectedly. The subject here is the thing that appears, not the person who is searching.
EXAMPLE
Keine Sorge, es wird sich schon eine Lösung finden.
Don't worry, a solution will turn up.
Reflexive with preposition
The expression 'sich in etwas finden' describes a process of acceptance or adjustment. It is always used with the preposition 'in' and the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Er musste sich erst in seine neue Rolle als Teamleiter finden.
He first had to adjust to his new role as team leader.
Formal usage
The meaning 'sich einfinden' (to appear/arrive) is formal and is often used in official requests or announcements. It means to appear at a specific place.
EXAMPLE
Die Gäste werden gebeten, sich pünktlich im Foyer einzufinden.
Guests are asked to appear punctually in the foyer.
Compare with
finden vs bekommen
to get / receive
'finden' and 'bekommen' can both mean that you end up having something. But the way you get there is different. Use 'finden' when you are looking for something or discover it by chance. It also works for abstract things like a solution. Use 'bekommen' when you receive something, get it as a gift, have it sent to you, or get it by buying or searching. Learners easily confuse the words because both sometimes have to do with 'obtaining something'. When discovering is important, use 'finden'. When receiving or getting is important, use 'bekommen'.
finden
Bei der Arbeit fand mein Kollege endlich den fehlenden Schlüssel.
At work, my colleague finally found the missing key.
bekommen
Nina bekommt vor der Reise einen neuen Ausweis von der Behörde.
Before the trip, Nina gets a new ID from the authorities.
In real life
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