zutreffen
to be true
To be right, correct, or in accordance with the truth.
EXAMPLE
Die Beschreibung im Prospekt trifft voll und ganz zu.
The description in the brochure is completely true.
zutreffen
to be true / to apply
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Meanings
zutreffen auf
to apply to
To be valid for someone or something; to be applicable to someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Diese Regelung trifft nur auf neue Mitarbeiter zu.
This regulation applies only to new employees.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zutreffen' (to be true / to apply) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zu' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Diese Beschreibung trifft genau zu.
This description is exactly true.
Fixed preposition
When 'zutreffen' (to apply) means that something is valid for someone or something, it is always used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. The structure is: etwas trifft auf jemanden/etwas zu (something applies to someone/something).
EXAMPLE
Die Kritik trifft auf alle Abteilungen zu.
The criticism applies to all departments.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'to be true', 'zutreffen' is often combined with adverbs that indicate the degree of accuracy. Common combinations are 'voll zutreffen' (to be completely true), 'genau zutreffen' (to be exactly true), or 'nicht ganz zutreffen' (to not be entirely true).
EXAMPLE
Deine Vermutung hat voll zugetroffen.
Your guess turned out to be completely true.
Compare with
zutreffen vs gelten
to apply / be valid
„Gelten für“ and „zutreffen auf“ can both express that a rule or statement concerns a particular case. „Gelten für“ mainly emphasizes the scope of a rule, while „zutreffen auf“ focuses more on its application to a specific person or thing. „Gelten für“ is usually the better choice for rules, while „zutreffen auf“ is often used for individual cases.
zutreffen
Diese Regel kann auf unseren kleinen Verein zutreffen.
This rule could apply to our small club.
gelten
Die neuen Öffnungszeiten gelten für alle Filialen.
The new opening hours apply to all branches.
In real life
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