01
unterkommen
to find accommodation
To find accommodation or a place to stay overnight.
example
Für das Wochenende sind wir bei Freunden untergekommen.
For the weekend, we found accommodation with friends.
unterkommen
to find accommodation
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Unterkommen' (to find accommodation / to find a job) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'unter' goes at the end, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' separates the prefix from the stem.
EXAMPLE
Für die Konferenz komme ich in einem kleinen Hotel unter.
For the conference, I'm staying in a small hotel.
Auxiliary verb 'sein'
The perfect tense of 'unterkommen' is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), because it describes a change of state or location.
EXAMPLE
Seid ihr während eures Urlaubs gut untergekommen?
Did you find good accommodation during your vacation?
Typical prepositions
When you find accommodation, you stay 'bei' (with/at) people or 'in' (in) buildings.
EXAMPLE
Während des Festivals sind wir bei meiner Tante untergekommen.
During the festival, we found accommodation with my aunt.
Compare with
unterkommen vs wohnen
to live
'wohnen' and 'unterkommen' both have to do with a place where you stay or sleep. You use 'wohnen' for your home or permanent place of residence. It sounds permanent, or at least longer-term. You use 'unterkommen' when you find accommodation or a place to sleep, often only for a short time or in a special situation. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with accommodation. Put practically: you 'wohnst' in your apartment, but you 'kommst bei Freunden, im Hotel oder in einer Pension unter' (find a place to stay with friends, in a hotel, or in a guesthouse).
unterkommen
Während der Messe ist Paul bei einem Freund untergekommen.
During the trade fair, Paul found a place to stay with a friend.
wohnen
Meine Schwester wohnt seit drei Jahren in einer kleinen Wohnung am Stadtrand.
My sister has lived in a small apartment on the outskirts of town for three years.
In real life
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