das Zusammentreffen
meeting
A planned or chance meeting or gathering of two or more people.
EXAMPLE
Das Zusammentreffen der Staatschefs fand in Genf statt.
The meeting of the heads of state took place in Geneva.
das Zusammentreffen
meeting / convergence
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Meanings
das Zusammentreffen
convergence
The simultaneous occurrence or coming together of different events, circumstances, or factors.
EXAMPLE
Es war ein unglückliches Zusammentreffen von schlechtem Wetter und technischen Problemen.
It was an unfortunate convergence of bad weather and technical problems.
Usage tips
Word structure
This noun is formed from the separable verb 'zusammentreffen' (to meet / to coincide). It consists of 'zusammen' (together) and 'treffen' (to meet). Literally, it describes the act of meeting together.
EXAMPLE
Das Zusammentreffen der alten Schulfreunde war sehr emotional.
The meeting of the old school friends was very emotional.
Sentence structure
A very common construction is 'es kommt zu einem Zusammentreffen' (a meeting occurs / there is a convergence). This phrasing emphasizes that the event takes place.
EXAMPLE
Auf der Konferenz kam es zu einem Zusammentreffen führender Wissenschaftler.
At the conference, there was a meeting of leading scientists.
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether a meeting of people or the convergence of circumstances is meant. If it is about people, it refers to a meeting. If it is about abstract things like 'Faktoren' (factors) or 'Ereignisse' (events), the second meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Das Zusammentreffen von starkem Regen und Wind führte zu Schäden.
The convergence of heavy rain and wind led to damage.
Typical collocations
When it is about people, the word is often combined with adjectives like 'zufällig' (chance), 'geplant' (planned), 'kurz' (brief), or 'offiziell' (official).
EXAMPLE
Es war nur ein kurzes Zusammentreffen am Bahnhof.
It was only a brief meeting at the train station.
Compare with
Zusammentreffen vs treffen
to meet / to hit
Treffen and das Zusammentreffen can both express people meeting. Treffen is the usual choice and is especially suitable for a planned appointment; Zusammentreffen can also refer to a mere or chance encounter and focuses more strongly on the coming together itself.
Zusammentreffen
Beim Spaziergang kam es zu einem unerwarteten Zusammentreffen im Café.
While out for a walk, an unexpected encounter took place at the café.
treffen
Wir treffen uns morgen nach der Arbeit im Café.
We’re meeting at the café tomorrow after work.
In real life
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