to surround
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to surround
To enclose someone or something from all sides so that there is no way out. This is often done by the police, the military, or a hostile group.
Die Polizei hat das Gebäude umzingelt, in dem sich die Bankräuber verschanzt hatten.
The police surrounded the building where the bank robbers had barricaded themselves.
'Umzingeln' (to surround) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'um-' is not stressed and remains firmly attached to the stem in all verb forms. The past participle is 'umzingelt'.
Die Fans haben den Sänger nach dem Konzert umzingelt.
The fans surrounded the singer after the concert.
The word contains the prefix 'um-' (around) and the old word stem 'zingel' (ring, wall). 'Umzingeln' (to surround) therefore literally means to form a ring or wall around something.
Die Kinder umzingelten den Eiswagen und warteten ungeduldig.
The children surrounded the ice cream truck and waited impatiently.
The verb 'umzingeln' (to surround) always needs an accusative object. You ask: Wen oder was umzingeln sie? (Whom or what are they surrounding?)
Die Wölfe umzingelten das verletzte Tier.
The wolves surrounded the injured animal.
The verb is often used in contexts involving the police, the military, or conflicts. Typical subjects are groups (police, soldiers) that enclose a target (building, person).
Die Spezialeinheit hat das Haus des Verdächtigen umzingelt.
The special unit surrounded the suspect's house.
to surround
Umgeben neutrally describes people standing around someone on all sides. Umzingeln also describes enclosing someone, but usually suggests pressure and that there is no way out. Use umgeben for a peaceful group; when the group blocks the person’s way, use umzingeln.
Nach dem Vortrag umzingeln wütende Gegner die Rednerin und versperren ihr den Weg.
After the talk, angry opponents surround the speaker and block her way.
Nach dem Vortrag ist die Rednerin von freundlichen Gästen umgeben.
After the talk, the speaker is surrounded by friendly guests.
