01
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
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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 Versammlung
assembly / meeting
'Versammlung' and 'Zusammentreffen' can both mean that several people come together in one place. However, 'Versammlung' sounds more planned and usually more official. There is often a topic, a chairperson, or a goal. 'Zusammentreffen' is more open: it can be planned or accidental and can also involve only two people. The words can be confused because both describe people meeting. When a group deliberately comes together to discuss or decide something, 'Versammlung' fits better. When the meeting itself is what matters, 'Zusammentreffen' fits better.
Zusammentreffen
Das zufällige Zusammentreffen mit ihrem alten Lehrer hat Johanna sehr gefreut.
The chance meeting with her old teacher made Johanna very happy.
Versammlung
Am Montag leitet Frau Becker die Versammlung des Teams.
On Monday, Ms. Becker is chairing the team meeting.
In real life
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