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sich versammeln
to gather
Refers to a group of people coming together at a specific place, often for a shared purpose.
example
Die Demonstranten versammeln sich vor dem Rathaus.
The demonstrators gather in front of the town hall.
versammeln
to gather
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Versammeln' (to gather) is an inseparable verb derived from 'sammeln' (to collect/gather). The prefix 'ver-' always remains attached to the verb and strengthens the idea of bringing a group together in one place.
EXAMPLE
Der Lehrer versammelte alle Schüler in der Aula.
The teacher gathered all the students in the assembly hall.
Reflexive vs. transitive
This verb has two important uses. 'Sich versammeln' (to gather) is reflexive and means that a group comes together on its own. 'Jemanden versammeln' (to gather someone) is transitive and means that a person actively calls a group together.
EXAMPLE
Die Familie versammelt sich jedes Jahr zu Weihnachten.
The family gathers every year at Christmas.
Typical places
When a group gathers, this often happens in a public or central place. Typical formulations are 'sich auf einem Platz versammeln' (to gather in a square), 'sich in einem Raum versammeln' (to gather in a room), or 'sich für einen Zweck versammeln' (to gather for a purpose).
EXAMPLE
Die Fans versammelten sich vor dem Stadion.
The fans gathered in front of the stadium.
Compare with
versammeln vs sammeln
to collect / gather
'sammeln' and 'versammeln' can both mean that people or things come, or are brought, to one place. 'sammeln' is more general and also fits with things, information, or experiences. 'versammeln' is used especially for groups of people who come together for a shared purpose, for example before a meeting or an event. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with bringing things or people together. As a simple guide: you 'sammelt' things or information, but people 'versammeln sich' as a group.
versammeln
Vor dem Termin versammelte sich die Familie im Flur.
Before the appointment, the family gathered in the hallway.
sammeln
Für den Bericht sammle ich am Wochenende noch wichtige Zahlen.
For the report, I am still gathering important figures over the weekend.
In real life
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