01
umgeben
to surround
To be located all around something or someone; to physically enclose something or someone.
example
Das Haus ist von einem großen Garten umgeben.
The house is surrounded by a large garden.
umgeben
to surround
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Umgeben' (to surround) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'um-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and is not placed at the end of the sentence. The stress is on the second syllable: um-GE-ben.
EXAMPLE
Ein hoher Zaun umgibt das Grundstück.
A high fence surrounds the property.
Common passive form
In the meaning 'to physically enclose', 'umgeben' (to surround) is very often used in the passive. The construction is then: subject + 'sein' (to be) + 'von' (by) + dative + 'umgeben' (surrounded).
EXAMPLE
Die Burg ist von einem tiefen Wassergraben umgeben.
The castle is surrounded by a deep moat.
Reflexive with preposition
When it is about people, 'umgeben' (to surround) is used reflexively with the fixed preposition 'mit' (with) and the dative: 'sich mit jemandem umgeben' (to surround oneself with someone).
EXAMPLE
Er umgibt sich gerne mit kreativen Menschen.
He likes to surround himself with creative people.
Compare with
umgeben vs Umgang
handling / interaction
'der Umgang' and 'umgeben' can both have to do with people or things nearby. However, 'der Umgang' describes the way you deal with someone or something, or social contact with people. 'umgeben' is a verb and means that something is all around someone or something. In the form 'sich mit jemandem umgeben' (to surround oneself with someone), it is about the people you deliberately keep around you. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in social situations. Remember: 'Umgang' describes contact or behavior, while 'umgeben' describes the surroundings or the circle of people around someone.
umgeben
Das kleine Hotel ist von Bergen und Wald umgeben.
The small hotel is surrounded by mountains and forest.
Umgang
Ein ruhiger Umgang mit Kunden ist in diesem Beruf sehr wichtig.
A calm way of dealing with customers is very important in this profession.
In real life
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