01
vorbeikommen
to drop by
To visit someone for a short, usually informal time.
example
Komm doch heute Abend einfach mal auf einen Kaffee vorbei.
Why don't you just drop by for a coffee this evening?
vorbeikommen
to drop by / pass by
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Vorbeikommen' (to drop by / pass by) is a separable verb. The prefix 'vorbei-' stands at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Meine Tante kommt morgen kurz vorbei.
My aunt is dropping by briefly tomorrow.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
Since 'kommen' (to come) is a verb of movement, the perfect tense of 'vorbeikommen' is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be).
EXAMPLE
Bist du gestern bei Thomas vorbeigekommen?
Did you drop by Thomas's place yesterday?
Context clue: preposition
The preposition indicates the meaning. 'Bei' + person means a short visit. 'An' + place means that you pass something on your way.
EXAMPLE
Ich komme später bei dir vorbei, um das Buch abzuholen.
I'll drop by your place later to pick up the book.
Typical collocations
For a short, informal visit, the verb is often combined with a purpose, for example 'auf einen Kaffee vorbeikommen' (to drop by for a coffee) or 'auf einen Sprung vorbeikommen' (to drop by briefly).
EXAMPLE
Hast du Lust, heute Abend auf einen Sprung vorbeizukommen?
Would you like to drop by briefly this evening?
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, the expression is almost always negated: 'an etwas nicht vorbeikommen' (not to be able to get around something). It expresses that something is unavoidable or necessary.
EXAMPLE
Um die Prüfung zu bestehen, kommt man am Lernen nicht vorbei.
To pass the exam, you cannot get around studying.
Compare with
vorbeikommen vs passieren
to happen / pass
'passieren' and 'vorbeikommen' can both mean that someone or something moves along a place or reaches a point on the way. 'passieren' sounds more neutral and often a bit more precise, especially with borders, checkpoints, or fixed points. 'vorbeikommen' sounds more conversational and emphasizes more that you go or drive past something. The words can be confused because both describe movement past a place. The important point is: 'vorbeikommen' can also mean 'to drop by' for a short visit, but 'passieren' cannot have this meaning.
vorbeikommen
Auf dem Weg zur Schule kommen wir jeden Morgen an der Bäckerei vorbei.
On the way to school, we pass by the bakery every morning.
passieren
Der Bus passiert um acht Uhr die Grenze zur Schweiz.
The bus passes the border with Switzerland at eight o'clock.
In real life
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