auf jemanden/etwas zukommen
to approach
To approach a person or thing; to move in their direction.
EXAMPLE
Ich sah, wie eine dunkle Wolkenfront auf uns zukam.
I saw a dark front of clouds approaching us.
zukommen
to approach / to be due
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Meanings
auf jemanden zukommen
to be coming
Describes an event, task, or challenge that lies ahead in the future.
EXAMPLE
Mit dem neuen Projekt wird eine Menge Arbeit auf uns zukommen.
With the new project, a lot of work will be coming our way.
jemandem etwas zukommen lassen
to send someone something
To send, transmit, or give something to someone, often through formal channels.
EXAMPLE
Wir werden Ihnen die Vertragsunterlagen nächste Woche zukommen lassen.
We will send you the contract documents next week.
jemandem zukommen
to be due to someone
To be due to someone or belong to them by right; to be appropriate for someone.
EXAMPLE
Dem Sieger kommt die Ehre zu, die Trophäe als Erster zu heben.
The winner is due the honor of being the first to lift the trophy.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zukommen' is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'zu' goes at the end. In a subordinate clause or in an infinitive construction, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Eine große Aufgabe kommt auf dich zu.
A major task is coming your way.
Fixed preposition
In the meaning 'sich nähern' (to approach), 'zukommen' is almost always used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. So the structure is: 'auf jemanden/etwas zukommen' (to approach someone/something).
EXAMPLE
Der Läufer kam langsam auf die Ziellinie zu.
The runner slowly approached the finish line.
Context clue
You distinguish the literal meaning (m01) from the figurative meaning (m02) through the subject. If a concrete object is moving, the meaning is literal ('ein Auto kommt zu' — a car is approaching). If the subject is abstract ('Arbeit' (work), 'Kosten' (costs)), it is figurative.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, da kommt ein Fahrrad auf dich zu!
Watch out, there's a bike coming toward you!
Fixed expression
The phrase 'jemandem etwas zukommen lassen' is a fixed, formal expression for 'jemandem etwas schicken' (to send someone something). The recipient is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Bitte lassen Sie uns Ihre Bewerbungsunterlagen bis Ende der Woche zukommen.
Please send us your application documents by the end of the week.
Dative construction
In the meaning 'gebühren/zustehen' (to be due/to belong to someone by right), the verb requires a person in the dative. The thing that is due to this person, often something abstract like a role or honor, is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ihm kommt die Aufgabe zu, das Team zu leiten.
He is assigned the task of leading the team.
Compare with
zukommen vs entfallen
to be canceled / to slip one's mind / to fall to
Both verbs can describe an allocated share. With zukommen, the recipient is in the dative; with entfallen, the recipient is introduced with auf and the accusative. Thus, you say that a share kommt jemandem zu or that a share entfällt auf jemanden.
zukommen
Von der Prämie kommt jedem Teammitglied der gleiche Anteil zu.
Each team member is entitled to an equal share of the bonus.
entfallen
Von der Prämie entfällt auf jedes Teammitglied der gleiche Anteil.
An equal share of the bonus goes to each team member.
In real life
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