01
zusammenkommen
to come together
To meet or gather in one place.
example
Die ganze Familie ist zu Weihnachten zusammengekommen.
The whole family came together for Christmas.
zusammenkommen
to come together
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zusammenkommen' (to come together) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zusammen-' goes to the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Morgen kommt der Vorstand zu einer wichtigen Sitzung zusammen.
Tomorrow the board is coming together for an important meeting.
Common mistake: perfect tense with 'sein'
Since 'zusammenkommen' (to come together) describes movement or a change of state, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), not with 'haben' (to have).
EXAMPLE
Letzte Woche sind wir im Park zusammengekommen.
Last week we came together in the park.
Context clue
The subject of the sentence reveals the meaning: if it is people, it is about a meeting. If it is money or an amount, it is about accumulation. If it is two people, it can mean a romantic relationship. If it is circumstances, they occur at the same time.
EXAMPLE
Bei dem Projekt kamen viele Probleme zusammen.
Many problems came together in the project.
Use for money
When referring to money or other amounts, 'zusammenkommen' (to come together) describes the result of a collection. The source is often named with 'bei' (at/during) or 'durch' (through).
EXAMPLE
Beim Kuchenverkauf in der Schule sind 200 Euro zusammengekommen.
At the cake sale at school, 200 euros came together.
Beginning a relationship
In colloquial language, 'zusammenkommen' (to get together) is a very common way to say that two people have become a couple.
EXAMPLE
Wusstest du, dass Anna und Paul zusammengekommen sind?
Did you know that Anna and Paul got together?
Compare with
zusammenkommen vs treffen
to meet / to hit
'treffen' and 'zusammenkommen' can both describe several people being in one place. 'treffen' is often used when two or more people have arranged to meet or encounter one another. 'zusammenkommen' puts more emphasis on the group or on gathering in one place. It works well for teams, families, clubs, or meetings. In many situations, both are possible, but they do not sound exactly the same: 'Ich treffe Tom' sounds personal. 'Das Team kommt zusammen' sounds more like a group gathering.
zusammenkommen
Am Montag kommt das ganze Team zu einer kurzen Besprechung zusammen.
On Monday, the whole team is coming together for a short meeting.
treffen
Im Sommer treffen wir unsere Nachbarn oft im Garten.
In summer, we often meet our neighbors in the garden.
In real life
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