The Versatility of the German Verb: Gehen
The German verb “gehen” is one of the most versatile and commonly used verbs in the language. It primarily means “to go” or “to walk,” but its usage extends far beyond these basic meanings. This article explores the various meanings and uses of “gehen,” providing numerous example sentences to illustrate its versatility. Additionally, we will delve into words and phrases derived from “gehen,” showcasing its influence on the German language.
Primary Meanings and Uses of “Gehen“
“Gehen” is most commonly used to indicate movement from one place to another on foot. For example:
- Ich gehe zur Schule. (I am going to school.)
- Wir gehen jeden Morgen spazieren. (We go for a walk every morning.)
It can also mean to leave or depart from a place. For example:
- Wann gehst du nach Hause? (When are you going home?)
- Er ist gestern gegangen. (He left yesterday.)
“Gehen” can describe whether something is functioning or working properly. For example:
It can be used to describe how something is happening or proceeding. For example:
- Wie geht es dir? (How are you?)
- Es geht gut voran. (It is progressing well.)
“Gehen” can also mean to fit or suit in certain contexts. For example:
- Das Kleid geht nicht. (The dress doesn’t fit.)
- Diese Schuhe gehen gut mit deinem Outfit. (These shoes go well with your outfit.)
It can indicate whether something is possible or feasible. For example:
- Geht das? (Is that possible?)
- Das geht nicht. (That is not possible.)
Common Phrases and Idioms with “Gehen”
“Gehen wir!” (Let’s go!) is used to encourage someone to start moving or to leave. For example:
- Gehen wir ins Kino! (Let’s go to the cinema!)
“Es geht um…” (It’s about…) is used to indicate the subject or topic of discussion. For example:
- Es geht um deine Gesundheit. (It’s about your health.)
“Es geht los!” (It’s starting!) is used to announce the beginning of an event or activity. For example:
- Der Film geht los! (The movie is starting!)
“Wie geht’s?” (How’s it going?) is a common greeting asking about someone’s well-being. For example:
- Hallo, wie geht’s? (Hello, how’s it going?)
“Geht so.” (So-so.) is used to express that something is neither particularly good nor bad. For example:
- Wie war dein Tag? Geht so. (How was your day? So-so.)
Words and Phrases Derived from “Gehen”
The verb “gehen” has given rise to numerous related words and phrases, enriching the German language with its versatility.
Abgehen (to leave, to depart) is used in sentences like:
Angehen (to concern, to address) can be used as follows:
- Das geht dich nichts an. (That’s none of your business.)
Aufgehen (to rise, to open) is seen in sentences like:
- Die Sonne geht um 6 Uhr auf. (The sun rises at 6 o’clock.)
Ausgehen (to go out, to run out) can be used in contexts such as:
- Wir gehen heute Abend aus. (We are going out tonight.)
- Das Benzin geht aus. (The gasoline is running out.)
Begehen (to commit, to celebrate) is used in sentences like:
- Er hat ein Verbrechen begangen. (He committed a crime.)
- Wir begehen unseren Jahrestag. (We are celebrating our anniversary.)
Durchgehen (to go through, to pass through) can be used as follows:
- Lass uns den Plan durchgehen. (Let’s go through the plan.)
Eingehen (to enter, to shrink) is seen in sentences like:
- Die Firma ist in den Markt eingegangen. (The company entered the market.)
- Das Hemd ist eingegangen. (The shirt shrank.)
Entgehen (to escape, to avoid) can be used in contexts such as:
- Das wird dir nicht entgehen. (You won’t miss that.)
Hergehen (to go along, to proceed) is used in sentences like:
- Wie soll das hier hergehen? (How should this proceed here?)
Nachgehen (to follow, to pursue) can be used as follows:
- Er geht seinem Traum nach. (He is pursuing his dream.)
Umgehen (to handle, to bypass) is seen in sentences like:
- Wie gehst du mit Stress um? (How do you handle stress?)
- Wir müssen das Problem umgehen. (We need to bypass the problem.)
Untergehen (to sink, to go down) can be used in contexts such as:
Vergehen (to pass, to elapse) is used in sentences like:
Vorangehen (to proceed, to lead) can be used as follows:
- Er geht mit gutem Beispiel voran. (He leads by example.)
Zugehen (to approach, to close) is seen in sentences like:
- Er geht auf die Tür zu. (He is approaching the door.)
- Die Tür geht automatisch zu. (The door closes automatically.)
The verb “gehen” and its derivatives are integral to the German language, offering a wide range of meanings and applications. Whether describing physical movement, functionality, or abstract concepts, “gehen” is a cornerstone of everyday communication in German.
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