01
vergehen
to pass
The passing of time. Describes the unstoppable progression of minutes, days, or years.
example
Die Jahre sind wie im Flug vergangen.
The years have passed as if they flew by.
vergehen
to pass / fade
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Vergehen' (to pass/fade) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' always stays attached to the stem 'gehen' (to go) and often indicates that something disappears, comes to an end, or takes a negative turn.
EXAMPLE
Ich hoffe, der Schmerz vergeht bald.
I hope the pain passes soon.
Auxiliary verb 'sein'
To form the past tense with the present perfect, 'vergehen' (to pass/fade) is always used with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), because it describes a change or movement. Using 'haben' (to have) is a common mistake.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeit ist so schnell vergangen.
Time has passed so quickly.
Context clue
Pay attention to whether the verb is reflexive. Without 'sich', 'vergehen' (to pass/fade) usually means the passing of time or the disappearance of a feeling. With 'sich', it describes a negative, often criminal act.
EXAMPLE
Die Kopfschmerzen vergehen langsam.
The headaches are slowly fading.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'Zeit vergeht' (time passes), the verb is often combined with units of time such as 'Stunden' (hours), 'Wochen' (weeks), or 'Jahre' (years). A very common idiom is 'wie im Flug vergehen' (to fly by).
EXAMPLE
Der Urlaub ist leider wie im Flug vergangen.
Unfortunately, the vacation flew by.
Sentence structure with 'an'
In this serious meaning, the structure is fixed: 'sich an jemandem vergehen' (to assault someone). The preposition 'an' always requires the dative here.
EXAMPLE
Es ist ein Verbrechen, sich an Kindern zu vergehen.
It is a crime to assault children.
Compare with
vergehen vs bleiben
to stay / remain
'bleiben' and 'vergehen' can be opposites when talking about states, feelings, or complaints. 'bleiben' then means that something is still there or does not change. 'vergehen' means that something eases or disappears. For example, you say that pain 'bleibt' if it does not go away. If it becomes less and stops, you say that it 'vergeht'.
vergehen
Die Kopfschmerzen vergehen meistens nach einer kurzen Pause.
The headache usually passes after a short break.
bleiben
Nach dem Gespräch bleibt bei ihr ein unsicheres Gefühl.
After the conversation, she is left with an uneasy feeling.
In real life
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